Bach: Cantata No. 122 “Das neugeborne Kindelein” / Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Chorale cantata based on a hymn by Cyriakus Schneegaß. The first chorale fantasy, “Das neugeborne Kindelein” is played with the string orchestra, two oboes and tailles. All voices except the soprano sing a counterpoint melody. The second piece is the aria “O Menschen, die ihr täglich sündigt” for bass and basso continuo, in which the bass sings, “Oh people who sin daily,You shall be the joy of angels” over a violently modulating bass, very typical of Bach. The following soprano recitative is an accompagnato with three recorders. This is followed by the triple aria “Ist Gott versöhnt und unser Freund” by soprano, alto, and tenor, in which the strings and alto play the chorale melody in unison, and the soprano and tenor sing in counterpoint. The bass continuo moves nimbly in a gigue rhythm throughout. The cantata ends with the chorale “Es bringt das rechte Jubeljahr” following the basses recitativo accompagnato. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸
