Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140

BWV 140 aria obbligato piccolo violino

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 (Awake, calls the voice to us), also known as Sleepers Wake, is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is one of his most famous and frequently performed cantatas. The cantata was composed in Leipzig in 1731 for the 27th Sunday after Trinity and is based on the hymn "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" by Philipp Nicolai.

Structure and Scoring[edit | edit source]

The cantata is structured in seven movements and is scored for four-part choir, horn, two oboes, oboe da caccia, bassoon, violino piccolo, two violins, viola, and continuo.

Chorale: "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"
Recitative (tenor): "Er kommt, er kommt, der Bräutgam kommt"
Aria (soprano, bass): "Wann kommst du, mein Heil?"
Chorale: "Zion hört die Wächter singen"
Recitative (bass): "So geh herein zu mir"
Aria (soprano, bass): "Mein Freund ist mein!"
Chorale: "Gloria sei dir gesungen"

Background and Context[edit | edit source]

The text of the cantata is based on the Gospel of Matthew, specifically the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The hymn by Philipp Nicolai, written in 1599, is a Lutheran hymn that reflects the themes of vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Bridegroom.

Musical Analysis[edit | edit source]

The opening chorale is one of the most recognizable movements in Bach's oeuvre. It features a ritornello theme played by the orchestra, with the choir singing the hymn tune in long notes. The fourth movement, "Zion hört die Wächter singen," is a well-known tenor chorale that has been arranged for various instruments and ensembles.

Performance History[edit | edit source]

"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" has been performed and recorded by numerous choirs and orchestras around the world. It remains a staple in the Baroque music repertoire and is frequently performed during the Advent season.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The cantata has influenced many composers and has been referenced in various works of art and literature. It is considered one of Bach's masterpieces and a prime example of his ability to blend theological depth with musical complexity.