J.S. Bach: Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65 - The Church Cantatas, Vol. 159

The cantata for Epiphany sunday 1724 (6 January), BWV65, paints the picture of the three kings coming to visit the newborn Jesus. In the chorus we can hear the camels swinging (the scripture reading for the sunday, Isaiah 60, speaks about them). It is a great fugue, with a counter-subject on `Gold und Weihrauch’ and another one on `und des Herren lob’, with an impressive final unisono. As a contrast to this impressive chorus the choir sings a simple Christmas chorale. In the bass recitative we offer our hearts as gifts to the Child. These gifts return in the bass aria. `Eitlen Gaben’ are thrown away, the three gifts of the wise men (taken from the earth: an upward run) are offered up. The next recitative details what they are. The tenor then sings a beautiful aria with full orchestra in a dancing rhythm, the abundance of wealth of which the recitative spoke; and a second chorale brings this wonderful cantata to a close. Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Artists: Netherlands Bach Collegium, Pieter Jan