Bach: Cantata No. 96 “Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohno” / Nikolaus Harnoncourt

The cantata opens with the chorale fantasia “Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohno”, a truly delightful piece of music for two oboes and string ensemble, accompanied by a flowing melody on the flauto piccolo. The cantus firmus (chorale melody) is placed on the alto, overlaid by the alto trombone. Following the alto recitative, the tenor aria “Ach, ziehe die Seele mit Seilen der Liebe” is sung in a jumpy flauto traverso obbligato. The soprano recitative is followed by the bass aria “Bald zur Rechten, bald zur Linken” accompanied by two oboes and string orchestra. Unlike the previous pieces, it is written in a heavy-foot minor key. Finally, the cantata ends with the chorale “Ertöt uns durch dein Güte”. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸