Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62

Martin Luther by Cranach-restoration

Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62 is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was composed in Leipzig for the first Sunday of Advent and was first performed on 3 December 1724. The cantata is based on the Lutheran hymn "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" by Martin Luther, which is a translation of the Latin hymn "Veni Redemptor gentium" by Ambrose.

Structure and Scoring

The cantata is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and an instrumental ensemble consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and continuo.

The cantata is structured in six movements:

1. Chorale fantasia: "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"
2. Aria (tenor): "Bewundert, o Menschen, dies große Geheimnis"
3. Recitative (bass): "So geht aus Gottes Herrlichkeit und Thron"
4. Aria (bass): "Streite, siege, starker Held!"
5. Recitative (soprano, alto): "Wir ehren diese Herrlichkeit"
6. Chorale: "Lob sei Gott dem Vater ton"

Movements

1. Chorale Fantasia

The opening movement is a grand chorale fantasia in which the soprano sings the chorale melody, while the lower voices and instruments provide a rich contrapuntal texture.

2. Aria (Tenor)

The second movement is an aria for tenor with an elaborate oboe obbligato. The text marvels at the mystery of the incarnation.

3. Recitative (Bass)

The third movement is a recitative for bass, which narrates the descent of Christ from the glory of heaven.

4. Aria (Bass)

The fourth movement is a vigorous aria for bass with a martial character, calling Christ to fight and conquer.

5. Recitative (Soprano, Alto)

The fifth movement is a duet recitative for soprano and alto, expressing reverence for the glory of Christ.

6. Chorale

The final movement is a simple four-part chorale setting, praising God the Father.

Performance History

"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62" was first performed on 3 December 1724 in the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. It is part of Bach's second annual cycle of cantatas, composed during his tenure as Thomaskantor.

Legacy

The cantata is considered one of Bach's significant works for the Advent season and is frequently performed and recorded. It showcases Bach's ability to blend traditional Lutheran chorale melodies with complex baroque musical forms.

See Also

• List of church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Lutheran chorale
• Advent