Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 180 Composed in Leipzig for the twentieth Sunday after Trinity, Cantata No. 180 Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele (Bedeck yourself, O beloved soul) is drawn from a hymn by Johann Franck, although the paraphrases heard in several stanzas are the work of an anonymous writer. The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 22:1-14, describing a royal feast given upon the wedding of the kings son. With the efficacy of communion given overarching attention, the entire work exudes confidence and assurance. Engaging soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists and a four-part chorus (SATB), Bach employed subtle textures for his instrumental complement. Strings (consisting of two violins, viola, and violoncello piccolo), two transverse flutes, two recorders, an oboe, oboe da caccia (English horn in modern terms), and continuo form the comforting timbre that so eloquently enhances the meaning of the words. Running time is approximately 23-24 minutes. The gracious chorus that begins the work urges the listener to abandon sins dark lair for the approaching brilliant light, to which the Lord has given the invitation. To flute and continuo accompaniment, an aria for solo tenor exhorts the guest to be lively in response to the saviors knock at the spirits door. Words of joy, though necessarily incomplete, must be spoken to Him. Next comes a recitative for solo soprano expressing wonder over the lavishness of the sacred banquet. This directly leads to a chorale yearning for union with God through Gods bounty. An alto recitative voices both fear and gladness; fear that the way to Gods secret is sometimes veiled, but joy when the saviors heart is revealed. A soprano aria, Lebens Sonne, Licht der Sinnen (Sunlight of life, light of understanding), features flute and oboe accompaniment and exudes gratefulness, assuring the Lord that his servant is loyal and uncritical of those whose faith is less certain. The bass soloist thereupon enters into a recitative, Herr, lass an mir dein treues Lieben (Lord, allow me in your true love), in which he asks that this love might kindle his spirit to seek only causes of divine worth. The concluding chorale seeks the help of Jesus in assuring that the invitation to the table might always be open, in heaven as on Earth.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 11:23:20 +0000
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