J.S. Bach context

Question 1

when was it composed

Answer 1

1700s

Question 2

what is a cantata

Answer 2

vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, structured in multiple movements

Question 3

Oratorio

Answer 3

large-scale and sacred

Question 4

Aria

Answer 4

solo, often with instrumental accompaniment

Question 5

Chorale

Answer 5

a hymn of psalm sung to a traditional or composed melody in Church

Question 6

what is the cantus firmus

Answer 6

pre-existing melody of the Lutheran hymn

Question 7

how is the CF used in the first movement

Answer 7

a fugato based on each phrase, with ingenious details e.g. the first subject of the fugal exposition is based on first phrase, with a countersubject based on second phrase.
At the end of each section, the three oboes and organ/violone play a plain version of the CF in canon.

Question 8

how is the CF used in the second movement

Answer 8

Soprano sings a (slightly) decorated version of the CF
oboe performs a more elaborately decorated version at the same time creating a heterophonic texture. Bass performs free counterpoint.

Question 9

how is the CF used in the third movement

Answer 9

CF sung in unadorned form by soprano, with ATB harmony/homophony, with all the vocal parts doubled in the instrumental ensemble