Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How beautifully
shines the morning star), BWV 1, is a church cantata by
Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed the chorale cantata
in 1725 in Leipzig for the feast of the Annunciation
and first performed it on 25 March 1725, which fell
that year on Palm Sunday. The cantata is based on the
hymn Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (1599) by
Philipp Nicolai.
This cantata is the last chorale cantata of the cycle
of 1724 –5. The unidentified librettist has ...(+)
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How beautifully
shines the morning star), BWV 1, is a church cantata by
Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed the chorale cantata
in 1725 in Leipzig for the feast of the Annunciation
and first performed it on 25 March 1725, which fell
that year on Palm Sunday. The cantata is based on the
hymn Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (1599) by
Philipp Nicolai.
This cantata is the last chorale cantata of the cycle
of 1724 –5. The unidentified librettist has used one
of the best-known Lutheran hymns as the basis of the
text, Philipp Nicolai’s Wie schön leuchtet der
Morgenstern (1599).According to an old tradition this
hymn was assigned to the feast of the Epiphany, but it
was also sung at the Annunciation. As often the wording
of the first and last verses has been preserved, while
the remainder has been paraphrased. Dürr comments :
“Altogether, the librettist must be credited with the
empathy which he shows for that fervour which
characterises Nicolai’s poem…. The librettist has,
moreover, supplied Bach with verse which, if not
inspired, is nonetheless thoughtful and
appealing”.
"Wie bin ich doch so herzlich froh" (How full I am
therefore of heartfelt joy) is a Chorale (Mvt. 6)
featuring Chorus, Reeds, Brass & Continuo. Although
this piece was originally created for Voice (SATB) and
period instruments, I created this arrangement for Wind
Ensemble (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, English Horn, French
Horn & Bassoon).
PARTITION