Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn, BWV 132

Schlosskirche Weimar 1660

Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn, BWV 132 is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was composed in Weimar in 1715 for the fourth Sunday of Advent. The cantata is based on a text by Salomon Franck, who was a prominent poet and librettist in Weimar.

History and Context

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn during his tenure as Konzertmeister at the Weimar Court. The cantata was first performed on December 22, 1715. The text by Salomon Franck is derived from the readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent, focusing on the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Structure and Scoring

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

1. Aria: Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn (Soprano)
2. Recitative: Willst du dich Gottes Kind nennen lassen (Bass)
3. Aria: Wer Bist du? Frage dein Gewissen (Alto)
4. Recitative: Ich will, mein Gott, dir frei heraus bekennen (Tenor)
5. Chorale: Ertöt uns durch dein Güte (Chorus)

Movements

Aria: Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn

The opening aria is for soprano and oboe obbligato, with a lively and joyful character, reflecting the anticipation of the coming of Christ.

Recitative: Willst du dich Gottes Kind nennen lassen

The second movement is a bass recitative, which emphasizes the need for repentance and preparation.

Aria: Wer Bist du? Frage dein Gewissen

The third movement is an alto aria with a reflective and introspective tone, accompanied by the violin.

Recitative: Ich will, mein Gott, dir frei heraus bekennen

The fourth movement is a tenor recitative, expressing a personal commitment to faith and repentance.

Chorale: Ertöt uns durch dein Güte

The final movement is a chorale for the full choir, based on a hymn tune, and serves as a prayer for divine guidance and purification.

Performance History

Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn was performed in Weimar in 1715 and is part of Bach's early cantata repertoire. It is less frequently performed today compared to some of his other cantatas but remains an important work in the context of his early compositions.

Legacy

The cantata is notable for its expressive arias and the integration of Franck's text with Bach's music. It exemplifies Bach's ability to convey theological themes through intricate musical structures.

See Also

• List of church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Salomon Franck
• Weimar