 | Bach, Johann Sebastian - Chorus: "Blühet, ihr Linden in Sachsen, wie Zedern" for Small Orchestra BWV 214 No. 9 Chamber orchestra |
| Composer : | Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685 - 1750) | ||||
| Instrumentation : | Chamber orchestra | ||||
| Style : | Baroque | ||||
| Arranger : | MAGATAGAN, MICHAEL (1960 - ) | ||||
| Publisher : | MAGATAGAN, MICHAEL | ||||
| Copyright : | Public Domain | ||||
| Added by magataganm, 20 Sep 2013 Johann Sebastian Bach was better known as a virtuoso organist than as a composer in his day. His sacred music, organ and choral works, and other instrumental music had an enthusiasm and seeming freedom that concealed immense rigor. Bach's use of counterpoint was brilliant and innovative, and the immense complexities of his compositional style -- which often included religious and numerological symbols that seem to fit perfectly together in a profound puzzle of special codes -- still amaze musicians today. Many consider him the greatest composer of all time. Cantata 214 "Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!" ("Sound, you drums! Ring out, you trumpets!") is subtitled "Dramma per musica," and was written for the birthday of the Electress of Saxon, who was also Queen of Poland, and was performed on December 8, 1733. It calls for one of the largest performing forces of any Bach cantata: Soprano, alto, tenor and bass solos, full chorus, and a large orchestra for the time. The author of the text is unknown. The four singers portray the allegorical figures of Bellona, Pallas, Irene, and Fama. The opening chorus is accompanied by the full orchestra, which naturally enough includes drums and trumpets to add to the call of "Long Live the Queen!" The Queen is extolled as the protectress of the Muses in her lands; the voices of youths pledge to stand ready with their weapons as part of the splendid display. Similar praise continues. A final recitative proclaims that her fame shall spread to all lands, and the final chorus bids the trees to bloom in her honor, and wishes her long live. In other words, this cantata, splendid though it is musically, is an extended bit of sucking up, but that was life in the eighteenth century. Later, Bach put much of the music of this cantata to more exalted use as part of his "Christmas Oratorio." "Blühet, ihr Linden in Sachsen, wie Zedern!" ("Flourish, ye lindens in Sax'ny like cedars") is the ninth Chorus of the Cantata BWV 214 and despite its brevity, this gigue in 3/8 time, has much substance. It has a "clear, periodic phrase structure," with an instrumental passage followed by a "freely polyphonic vocal passage in which the voices enter in turn leading to a choral insertion within a reprise of the instrumental passage. Three Goddess commence: Irene (tenor) with flourishing linden and cedar trees; Bellona (soprano), echoing with weapons, wagons, and axles; and Pallas (alto) singing with the muses. The tutti joins in joyous celebration. Bach uses this chorus, music virtually unchanged to open the XO (BWV 248) Part 3, The Adoration, and repeats the chorus at the end of Part 3, to close the three feast days of Christmas. I created this arrangement for Small Orchestra: Bb Trumpet, French Horn, Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon, Timpani and Strings (Violins (2), Viola & Cello). Sheet central : | Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten! (7 sheet music) | | |||
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