Bach: Cantata No. 30 “Freue dich, erlöste Schar” / Nikolaus Harnoncourt

The original is the secular cantata “Angenehmes Wiederau” (BWV30a). Almost all choruses and arias have been adapted with different lyrics. The instrumentation consists of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, and basso continuo. After Bach’s death, his eldest son Wilhelm Friedemann added 3 trumpets and timpani to make it sound more festive. Harnoncourt recorded the piece in its original, simplified form. The first piece is the chorus “Freue dich, erlöste Schar” in da capo form. The bass recitative is followed by the bass aria “Gelobet sei Gott, gelobet sein Name”. The soloist is Max van Egmond. Following the alto recitative, the alto aria “Kommt, ihr angefochtnen Sünder” is sung by flute, string ensemble and basso continuo. After the very impressive introductory part with unison of the flute and violin, the singing begins and ends with a fermata before returning to the opening part. The soloist is Paul Esswood. The first half ends with the chorale “Eine Stimme lässt sich hören”.

The second half begins with a bass recitative acompagnato (2 oboes, basso continuo). The second half begins with the bass aria “Ich will nun hassen” (da capo form), accompanied by oboe d’amore, solo violin, string ensemble and bass continuo. Following the soprano recitative, the soprano aria “Eilt, ihr Stunden, kommt herbei” is accompanied by a solo violin obbligato. The soloist is listed as a soloist of the “Wiener Sangerknaben”, but as usual, no names are given. The tenor recitative is followed by the chorus “Freue dich, geheilgte Schar” to conclude the entire work. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸