Jesu, der du meine Seele

Question 1

What elements unite the five cantatas written for September of 1724?

Answer 1

walking bass movtives; string of duets; Gingrich, CJ 51/1

Question 2

What is unique about Bach’s choice of chorale for Jesu…Seele?

Answer 2

It appears on no list of “appropriate” hymns for the 14th Sunday after Trinity, and he apparently moved an appropriate hymn to form the basis for his 13th Sunday cantata.; Gingrich, CJ 51/1

Question 3

How does numerology play into Jesu…Seele?

Answer 3

ostinato repeats 27 times (multiple of 3), disappears 3 times for a total of 21 bars (3x7, perfection x completion); Gingrich, CJ 51/1

Question 4

What international elements play into Jesu…Seele’s opening movement?

Answer 4

French sarabande rhythm, stile antico motet form, Italian concerto-style ritornellos, Lutheran chorale; Gingrich, CJ 51/1

Question 5

What significance tie Jesu…Seele with the following week’s cantata?

Answer 5

g minor vs G major; Passion vs. trust in God Who does all things well; SA duets about the fleshly weakness of the believer; ; Gingrich, CJ 51/1

Question 6

For what Sunday did Bach write Cantata 78?

Answer 6

14th after Trinity;

Question 7

What scriptures was BWV 78 intended to illuminate?

Answer 7

The healing of the ten lepers in Luke and the works of the flesh/fruit of the spirit in Galatians;

Question 8

Summarize the text of movement 1.

Answer 8

Jesus’s death saved me from hell and from affliction, and he is my refuge;

Question 9

Summarize the text of movement 2.

Answer 9

We are sick and seek your help through prayer.;

Question 10

Summarize the text of movement 3.

Answer 10

Depravity of humanity (leprosy represents sin);

Question 11

Summarize the text of movement 4.

Answer 11

Victory over sin comes through the blood;

Question 12

Summarize the text of movement 5.

Answer 12

Symbols of defeat become symbols of victory; returning thanks;

Question 13

Summarize the text of movement 6.

Answer 13

Faithfulness of God;

Question 14

Summarize the text of movement 7.

Answer 14

Prayer for increased faith;

Question 15

Who wrote the chorale on which 78 is based? And when?

Answer 15

Johann Rist, 1641;

Question 16

When was 78 first performed? Revived?

Answer 16

1724, late 1730s;

Question 17

What was different about the 1730s performance?

Answer 17

Addition of flute for m. 1 & 7; omitting the horn; adding violone part to duet in mvt. 2;

Question 18

What compositional device features prominently in the opening chorus of 78?

Answer 18

Passacaglia (27 times, 2 in inversion, several transferred and transposed);

Question 19

What other works by Bach used the same or a similar theme? (3)

Answer 19

Early Christ lag in Todes Banden; Wiener, Klagen cantata; Crucifixus from B minor Mass;

Question 20

What is peculiar about the Violone part in 78?

Answer 20

It is on the back of a brass part; Dreyfus, Continuo

Question 21

What is a fantasia, and how does it apply to 78?

Answer 21

Bach used fantasia loosely for freely constructed pieces, often involving chorale tunes and improvisation for organ; 78 opens in that style, though with less improvisation, and the use of voices; Boyd, Oxford

Question 22

What is Helmuth Rilling’s famous quote about performance practice?

Answer 22

Summarized? It’s good that we have original instruments and original performance practices, but unfortunate that we have no original listeners.; Melamed, Hearing Bach’s Passions

Question 23

In the first movement of 78, what element is the greatest determining factor governing composition?

Answer 23

The chorale melody. The passacaglia, though heard first and most prominently, changes in deference to the chorale tune on multiple occasions.

Butt/Dreyfus 186