Thou who, a God, as man yet came (Herr Jesu Christ, wahr' Mensch und Gott)

SKU: CA.3112707

ISBN 9790007245177. Key: F major. Language: German/English. Text: Eber, Paul.

Cantata BWV 127 belongs to the cycle of chorale cantatas which Bach performed in 1724/25 in Leipzig. It bears close links to the St John Passion, which was performed on Good Friday 1725 in its second version. In formal terms and in the interpretation of the text and its orchestration, it is one of the most astonishing vocal works by Bach. The opening chorus, with its multi-layered construction, is nothing less than a preliminary version for the chorale fantasia O Mensch bewein dein Sunde gross. The aria Die Seele ruht in Jesu Handen is distinguished by its exquisite scoring: a solo oboe and the soprano form a duet, whilst the background comprises delicate chords on recorders and continuo, intended to symbolize funeral bells. A solo trumpet gives the following movement particular brilliance. The words Ich breche mit starker und helfender Hand unmistakably anticipate the chorus Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden from the St Matthew Passion. New revised edition. Score available separately - see item CA.3112700.