This cantata with secular lyrics was written for the funeral of Christiane Eberhardine, wife of Augustus II, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. The first choral piece, “Laß, Fürstin, laß noch einen Strahl”, is moving music. The dotted note motif, the frequent use of appoggiatura, and the frequent false cadences create a tragic atmosphere. The instrumental arrangement is two flute traversos, two oboes, two viola da gamba, two lutes, string ensemble with basso continuo. This piece has been restored and used as the opening chorus of the lost “St. Mark’s Passion”. The soprano recitative accompagnato is followed by the soprano aria “Verstummt, verstummt, ihr holden Saiten!” accompanied by strings. The alto recitative accompagnato is followed by the alto aria “Wie starb die Heldin so vergnügt!” accompanied by two viola da gamba obbligatos and two lutes in basso continuo. This is a gentle aria written in a major key, and the long tone for the word “starb” is impressive. The tenor recitative accompagnato is followed by the choral piece “An dir, du Fürbild großer Frauen”, which begins with a fugue. There are long solo parts for the two flutes and the gambas in between. This choral piece ends the first part of the cantata. The second part begins with the moving aria “Der Ewigkeit saphirnes Haus” by the tenor. Among the obbligato instruments, the flute plays a particularly prominent role in this piece. After the bass recitative secco and arioso, the piece moves into a recitative accompagnato. Finally, the funeral cantata closes with the choral piece written in gigue rhythmn “Doch, Königin! du stirbest nicht”. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸 https://excelkobo.net/bachwerke/archive/BWV0198.pdf
