Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht, BWV 186

Schlosskirche Weimar 1660

Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht, BWV 186 is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was composed in Leipzig for the seventh Sunday after Trinity and was first performed on 11 July 1723. The cantata is based on a text by Georg Christian Lehms.

History and Context[edit | edit source]

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht during his first year in Leipzig, where he served as Thomaskantor. This period was marked by an intense production of church cantatas, as Bach aimed to create a comprehensive cycle of cantatas for the liturgical year. The text for BWV 186 was written by Georg Christian Lehms, a poet whose works were frequently set to music by Bach.

Structure and Scoring[edit | edit source]

The cantata is structured in eleven movements and is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and an instrumental ensemble consisting of oboe, violin, viola, and basso continuo.

Movements[edit | edit source]

Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht (Chorus)
Bist du, der da kommen soll (Recitative, Bass)
Die Armen will der Herr umarmen (Aria, Soprano)
Ach, daß mein Glaube (Recitative, Tenor)
Gott versorget alles Leben (Aria, Alto)
Ach, daß mein Glaube (Recitative, Tenor)
Gott versorget alles Leben (Aria, Alto)
Die Armen will der Herr umarmen (Aria, Soprano)
Bist du, der da kommen soll (Recitative, Bass)
Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht (Chorus)
Die Armen will der Herr umarmen (Aria, Soprano)

Musical Analysis[edit | edit source]

The opening chorus, Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht, is a complex and richly textured movement that sets the tone for the entire cantata. The interplay between the vocal and instrumental lines is characteristic of Bach's intricate compositional style. The arias and recitatives that follow explore themes of faith, divine providence, and the Christian's relationship with God.

Performance History[edit | edit source]

Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht was first performed on 11 July 1723 in the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Since then, it has been performed and recorded by numerous ensembles and remains a significant work in the Bach cantata repertoire.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

As part of Bach's extensive body of church cantatas, Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht contributes to our understanding of his theological and musical intentions. The cantata is frequently studied and performed, reflecting its enduring importance in the canon of Baroque music.