Bach: Cantata No. 10 “Meine Seel erhebt den Herren” / Gustav Leonhardt
This chorale cantata, based on the German translation of the Magnificat by Martin Luther and its melody, was composed in Leipzig. In the first chorale, the soprano first sings the chorale melody twice, then the alto twice. The other voices sing a free melody as a counter-melody. The second piece is a soprano da capo aria “Herr, der du stark und mächtig bist” with oboe, string orchestra, and basso continuo accompaniment. The singer is only listed as a soloist from the Regensburger Domspatzen (Regensburg Cathedral Sparrows), but not his name. Following the recitative, the bass aria “Gewaltige stößt Gott vom Stuhl” is sung joyfully over a lively bass continuo. Max van Egmond sings the solo. The next piece, “Er denket der Barmherzigkeit,” is an alto-tenor duet on a melody with Bach’s typical diminished seventh chords. It was performed by Paul Esswood and Kurt Equiluz. Here the oboe and trumpet play the chorale melody. The final chorale, following the recitative by the tenors, has four voices with instrumental unison. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸
