CCCXLVII. BACH, J.S.: Cantata #195: Dem Gerechten muss das Licht, BWV 195

CCCXLVII. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)

Cantata #195: Dem Gerechten muss das Licht, BWV 195 (1727)
1. Coro (Soli: Soprano, Alto, Tenore, Basso): Dem Gerechten muß das Licht
2. Recitativo (Basso): Dem Freudenlicht gerechter Frommen
3. Aria (Basso): Rühmet Gottes Güt und Treu!
4. Recitativo (Soprano): Wohlan, so knüpfet denn ein Band
5. Coro (Soli: Soprano, Alto, Tenore, Basso): Wir kommen, deine Heiligkeit
6. Choral (Coro): Nun danket all und bringet Ehr
Stichting Bachcantates Tilburg
Rienk Bakker, cond.
(21:53)

Existing in three versions, this "wedding cantata" first existed in a 1727 version with eight movements, and was revised for performances in 1742 and 1748-49.

First Movement

A large orchestra -- 3 trumpets, oboes, flutes, strings -- and four soloists, plus ripieno choir.

The soloists enter in order: SATB. The polyphony is gorgeous.

For the Righteous light is sown
Light and gladness for them who fear Thee
All ye righteous, joyful praise the Lord

And thank ye Him and worship ye His holiness

Second Movement

Notice the active continuo part ...

Each righteous soul adds light and lustre
And new delight to all the Faithful
Augments their welfare ev'reywhere
This newly wedded pair
Distinguished both for rectitude
And graciousness
Give joy to all assembled here
Who bid to both the best of cheer
Oh! how by fate united
Are these two favored ones
Each to the other plighted!

Third Movement

An unusual rhythmic device known as a "Scotch snap" or "Lombard rhythm" is the defining characteristic of this lovely bass aria.

Praise God for His Grace to you
Sing His praise with blithe rejoicing
Praise ye God you happy couple
Here today is love united
May your path by faith be lighted
Hope and joy to find anew

Fourth Movement

The soprano recitative is accompanied by 32nd-note scales in the flutes. The music marries the text with its depiction of the actual wedding ceremony:

Then come, and tie for them the knot
Which augurs so much happiness
The Pastor's hand
Is on your head
So plighted there you stand
Where you will now be wed
And when this blessing makes your love grow and flourish
Then praise the Hand of God above
Himself He ties your bonds of love
Whatever God has thus begun
By Him will be completely done

Fifth Movement

With trumpets blazing with glory, and superb polyphonic music, Bach alternates between orchestra alone, the four soloists, and the choir and every combination thereof ... long melismas on the word preisen (praise). Da Capo.

We come to praise The Holiness
Eternal Lord and God Almighty
Thy Hand it was that wrought Creation
Thy Might will gain for us salvation
Thy blessing freely shower on us

Sixth Movement

[performed after the wedding ceremony: Post Copulationem ...]

Harmonization of the 1647 Paul Gerhardt hymn.

Now thank your God in songs of love
Ye mortals here below
And like the Angel Choir above
Your praise and homage show
In chorus loud and lustily
To God Almighty sing
Our Lord thru all eternity
And everlasting King