Der Friede sei mit dir, BWV 158

Der Friede sei mit dir, BWV 158 (Peace be with you) is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is a work for bass soloist, chorus, and orchestra, and is believed to have been composed in Weimar around 1713–1714, although some scholars suggest it may have been completed in Leipzig in the 1720s. The cantata is notable for its intimate scoring and its use of the chorale "Christ lag in Todes Banden".

History and Context

The exact date of composition for Der Friede sei mit dir is uncertain. It is thought to have been written during Bach's tenure in Weimar, where he served as Konzertmeister at the court of Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar. However, some musicologists argue that the cantata may have been revised or completed during Bach's later years in Leipzig, where he was the Thomaskantor (director of church music).

The cantata was likely intended for the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on February 2nd, or for the Third Sunday of Easter. The text reflects themes of peace and resurrection, fitting for these liturgical occasions.

Structure and Scoring

Der Friede sei mit dir is scored for a small ensemble consisting of:

• Bass soloist
• Violin
• Oboe
• Viola
• Continuo (typically cello, bassoon, and organ)

The cantata is structured in four movements:

1. Recitative (Bass): "Der Friede sei mit dir"
2. Aria (Bass): "Welt, ade, ich bin dein müde"
3. Chorale: "Christ lag in Todes Banden"
4. Chorale and Recitative (Bass): "Wir essen und leben wohl"

Musical Analysis

The opening recitative, "Der Friede sei mit dir," sets a serene and contemplative mood, with the bass soloist delivering the text in a declamatory style. The aria "Welt, ade, ich bin dein müde" follows, featuring a lyrical melody that expresses the weariness of the world and the longing for peace.

The third movement is a chorale setting of "Christ lag in Todes Banden," a hymn by Martin Luther. Bach's harmonization is rich and expressive, highlighting the text's themes of resurrection and victory over death.

The final movement combines a recitative with a chorale, creating a dialogue between the soloist and the choir. The text "Wir essen und leben wohl" reflects the joy and assurance of eternal life, concluding the cantata on a hopeful note.

Performance History

Due to its intimate scoring, Der Friede sei mit dir is often performed in smaller church settings or as part of chamber music concerts. It is less frequently performed than some of Bach's larger cantatas, but it remains a favorite among connoisseurs of Bach's sacred music for its depth and beauty.

See Also

• List of Bach cantatas
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Church cantata

References

• Dürr, Alfred. The Cantatas of J.S. Bach. Oxford University Press, 2005.
• Wolff, Christoph. Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician. W.W. Norton & Company, 2000.

External Links

• Bach Cantatas Website: BWV 158
• IMSLP: Der Friede sei mit dir, BWV 158