Bach: O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe, BWV 34

Description

The Whitsuntide cantata BWV 34 is closely related to the wedding cantata BWV 34a, with which it has three movements in common. Although the history surrounding the gestation of the two works is not exactly known, it is assumed that BWV 34 is a parody of BWV 34a because of the parallel texts. First performed in 1727, the work – in the form that it has been handed down – dates from 1745. Bach probably made it available to his son, Wilhelm Friedemann, for his newly appointed office as church music director in Halle in a 1746 Whitsuntide performance. The most important part is the magnificent opening chorus, which, with three trumpets, timpani, and oboes, is juxtaposed against the contemplative alto aria in the third movement "Wohl euch" ("It is well for you"), which is contrasting also in the scoring with flutes and muted violins.New revised edition.