Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36

Thomaskirche-1885

Schwingt freudig euch empor', BWV 36 (Soar joyfully upwards) is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was composed in Leipzig for the first Sunday of Advent and was first performed on 2 December 1731.

History and text

Bach composed Schwingt freudig euch empor during his tenure as Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata is based on a text by an unknown author. The work is structured in eight movements and is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and an orchestra consisting of oboe d'amore, violin, viola, and continuo.

Structure and scoring

The cantata is divided into eight movements:

1. Schwingt freudig euch empor (Chorus)
2. Die Liebe zieht mit sanften Schritten (Aria for Soprano)
3. Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen (Chorale)
4. Wir kehren uns nicht nach dem Leben (Aria for Tenor)
5. Der Heiland ist gekommen (Recitative for Bass)
6. Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen (Chorale)
7. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Aria for Alto)
8. Lob sei Gott, dem Vater, ton (Chorale)

Musical features

The opening chorus, Schwingt freudig euch empor, is characterized by its lively and joyful nature, reflecting the anticipation of the Advent season. The soprano aria, Die Liebe zieht mit sanften Schritten, features an expressive melody accompanied by the oboe d'amore. The chorales are harmonically rich and serve as meditative reflections within the cantata.

Performance history

Schwingt freudig euch empor was first performed on 2 December 1731 in the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. It has since become a part of the standard repertoire for Bach cantatas and is frequently performed during the Advent season.

Legacy

The cantata is a notable example of Bach's ability to blend theological themes with intricate musical composition. It remains a significant work within the context of Baroque music and is appreciated for its artistic and spiritual depth.

See also

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