J.S. Bach: Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott, BWV 139 - The Church Cantatas, Vol. 117

BWV139 is based on the hymn `Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott’, and was written for 12 November 1724. It treats of the quiet trust that the christian can have in the Lord. The trusting pace of the christian walking with God pervades the chorus, with only `sin’ briefly breaking through this. The tenor aria contrasts the friendship of God, with a long line on Freund, and the fiery raging of the enemy. As so often the word Spötter (mockers) is made to sound like laughter. An imaginative alto recitative is followed by a memorable bass aria. The heavy band which misfortune puts around us is illustrated muscially, as is the distant light with long coloraturas. Then the helping hand brings relief. The soprano sings of what our ultimate offering to God should be: our inner souls. Satan’s wiles will fail: a downward figure. Woodwind and violin play with the sopranos in the final chorale. Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Artists: Netherlands Bach Collegium, Pieter Jan Leusink (conductor), Ho