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Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, BWV 110

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Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, BWV 110, is a cantata written by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Date of composition

It was composed in Leipzig as a choral work celebrating Christmas Day.[1]

Instrumentation

This cantata is written for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, four-part chorus, three trumpets, three oboes, two Western concert flutes, fagotto (bassoon), strings, timpani, and continuo.[1]

Origin

This piece is based on Psalm 126, Jeremiah 10, and the second chapter of Luke.[1]

Movements

  1. Chorus: Unser Mund sei voll Lachens
  2. Aria (Tenor): Ihr Gedanken und ihr Sinnen
  3. Recitative (Bass): Dir, Herr, ist niemand gleich
  4. Aria (Alto): Ach Herr! was ist ein Menschenkind
  5. Duet (Soprano, Alto): Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe
  6. Aria (Bass): Wacht auf, ihr Adern und ihr Glieder
  7. Chorale: Alleluja! Gelobt sei Gott

Description

Chorus

The opening chorus is "May our mouth be full of laughter and our tongues full of praise", which is an adaptation of the Bach's Overture in D major, BWV 1069.[1] The soprano/tenor duet "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe" is a version of Bach's Magnificat.[1] The cantata begins with its most powerful section, the opening chorus, which calls for all instruments to be performing besides bassoon.[1] The text concludes with acknowledgement that the Lord has achieved great things for his people.[1]

Tenor Aria

A tenor aria includes two intertwining flutes as the soloist describes soaring thoughts and senses, prompted by the thought that God-become-man intends that his people be "Himmels Kinder", (heaven's children).[1] A bass recitative (You, Lord, are unlike any other) is followed by an alto aria (Ach Herr, was ist ein Menschenkind) accompanied by oboe d'amore that expresses wonder about the nature of man that the Lord should seek to redeem him through such painful action.[1]

Soprano/Alto Duet

The two voices shine over a simple organ and continuo accompaniment as they offer to God glory in the highest as peace on Earth is awaited because the child has come as a sign of favor.[1]

Chorale

The closing chorale is related to the third section of the composer's Christmas Oratorio: "Alleluia! All praise be given God from the bottom of our hearts."[1]

Length

Performance time ranges from 25 to 27 minutes.[1]

Recordings

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l http://www.classicalarchives.com/work/1389.html#tvf=tracks&tv=about
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