CCCXCII. BACH, J.S.: Cantata #67: Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67

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

Cantata #67: Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67 (1724)
1. [Coro]: Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ
2. Aria (Tenore): Mein Jesus ist erstanden
3. Recitativo (Alto): Mein Jesu, heißest du des Todes Gift
4. Choral (Coro): Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag
5. Recitativo (Alto): Doch scheinet fast
6. Aria (Basso, Coro): Friede sei mit euch
7. Choral (Coro): Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
Netherlands Bach Society
(13:28)

Are you a doubting Thomas?

Reubens, c. 1611

There's nothing wrong with that -- healthy skepticism is an important aspect of the human experience!

Thomas was a disciple who had trouble with the concept of Jesus's resurrection, until (as John 20:24-29 relates), Jesus appeared to him and said:

"'Put your finger here: see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

Bach's unknown librettist compares Thomas to the Christian in general. The seven-movement structure is wrapped around a chorale (#4) and features several repetitions of the line Friede sei mit euch (Peace be with you).

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Bach writes for a corno da tirarsi, which is called for in only two other cantatas (BWV 46 and 162). The instrument is a mystery.

**

1. [Coro]: Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ

The sinfonia is a wondrous piece of music. The chorus loudly proclaims Halt, there is an instrumental-only section and delicious fugal passages:

Hold in remembrance Jesus Christ, that He has risen from His entombment.

2. Aria (Tenore): Mein Jesus ist erstanden

Declarative E Major; the grace notes in the strings add a certain unsteadiness:

My Savior is arisen,
So why should I now fear?
However firm my faith may be
My heart from strife is never free.
Oh come, my Savior dear.

3. Recitativo (Alto): Mein Jesu, heißest du des Todes Gift

My Jesus, fear of death didst Thou dispel,
And art become the dread of Hell.
What then is there to fear or daunt us here?
Thyself has taught our thankful voices
This song with which mankind rejoices.

4  Choral (Coro): Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag

Now dawns for us a glorious Day
Whose joy no power can gainsay.
Our Blessed Lord triumphant rose
Victorious over all His foes. Alleluja!

5. Recitativo (Alto): Doch scheinet fast

But still it seems
That certain of my foes
Who yet remain with threats of further woes,
Will leave me no repose.
When Thou hast overcome then in the end,
Help me, with foes within me to contend, ah
See how already now Believers, are sure, O Prince of Peace,
That by Thine aid our troubles soon will cease.



6. Aria (Basso, Coro): Friede sei mit euch

Bach interrupts this cascade of strings (including fast 32nd-notes in the violins) in a basic I-V harmonic progression in A Major four times -- to introduce the voice of Jesus, accompanied by the woodwinds playing a dotted 1/8th-16th rhythm:

Peace be unto you.

All's well, guards us from disaster,
All our foes He now will master.
Devils, Satan, go.
Peace be unto you.
Jesus ends our struggles dreary,
Gives new life to worn and weary souls and brings them peace.
Blessed unto you.
O Lord, help us to an outcome glorious
That thru death we be victorious,
Heaven High to view! Peace be unto you.

7. Choral (Coro): Du Friedfürst, Herr Jesu Christ

You prince of peace,

Lord Jesus Christ,
True man and true God,
You are a strong helper in distress,
In life and death
Therefore we only
In your name
Cry to your Father!