Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen (Wretched
man that I am, who shall deliver me), BWV 48, is a
church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it
in 1723 for the 19th Sunday after Trinity as part of
his first annual cycle.
An instrumental chorale melody is present in the
opening chorus. It may refer to the words "Herr Jesus
Christ, du höchstes Gut", but also creates a
connection to the closing chorale, which was sung on
the same tune, and therefore may also quote its firs...(+)
Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen (Wretched
man that I am, who shall deliver me), BWV 48, is a
church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it
in 1723 for the 19th Sunday after Trinity as part of
his first annual cycle.
An instrumental chorale melody is present in the
opening chorus. It may refer to the words "Herr Jesus
Christ, du höchstes Gut", but also creates a
connection to the closing chorale, which was sung on
the same tune, and therefore may also quote its first
verse. This chorale cantus firmus is played by the
trumpet in canon with the oboes. The strings present
themes in the instrumental introduction which are later
used as a countersubject to the lamentative theme of
the voices.
A recitative of the alto, accompanied by the strings,
leads to a chorale, concluding the ideas of the first
section in expressive harmonization.
A different mood prevails in the following aria, the
voice and the oboe being equal partners in the request
to spare the soul. In the last aria the tenor is
accompanied by the strings with oboe, music dominated
by a lilting rhythm changing between 3/4 time and 3/2
time.
The cantata in seven movements is scored for alto and
tenor soloists, a four-part choir, trumpet, two oboes,
two violins, viola, and basso continuo.
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ich_elender_Mensch,_wer_
wird_mich_erl%C3%B...).
I created this arrangement of the opening Chorus: "Ich
elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen vom Leibe dieses
Todes?" (Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me
from the body of this death?) for Winds (Bb Trumpet,
Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, French Horn & Bassoon) and
Strings (2 Violins, Viola & Cello).
PARTITION