Bach: Cantata No. 130 “Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir” / Nikolaus Harnoncourt
This chorale cantata is based on a hymn by Paul Eber. It opens with the celebratory choral fantasy “Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir” for three trumpets, timpani, three oboes, and string orchestra. The soprano cantus firmus is ornamented with counterpoint by the other voices. Because of the chords are tonic chord and dominant chord throughout the piece, the consecutive timpani is heard playing frequently. Following the alto recitative, the bass aria “Der alte Drache brennt vor Neid” begins with a festive fanfare of three trumpets and timpani. The ritornello is repeated several times with the first trumpet leading the bass solo. After a recitativo accompagniato by soprano and tenor, the tenor aria “Laß, o Fürst der Cherubinen” is sung with the flauto traverso playing an obbligato on the gavotte rhythm. The piece closes with the chorale “Darum wir billig loben dich” in festive orchestration. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸
