Cantata BWV 162
Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe
Discussions - Part 3

Continue from Part 2

Discussions in the Week of June 3, 2012 (3^rd round)

Ed Myskowski wrote (June 3, 2012):
Introduction to BWV 162 -- Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe

Weekly reminder:

This week we continue Trinity season cantatas with BWV 162, the first of three works for the 20^th Sunday after Trinity. Details of text, commentary, recordings, and previous discussion for this week are accessible via: http://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV162.htm

The link to commentary by Julian [Mincham], music examples included, is especially recommended as an introduction to listening.

The BWV 162 page has convenient access to notes from the Gardiner, Koopman (notes by Christoph Wolff), Suzuki, and Leusink (and more!) CD issues, via link beneath the cover photo.

The chorale text and melody are accessible via links at the BWV 162 page. Francis Browne has recently added new commentary on the cantata texts to his interlinear translations, linked via [English 3]. We can expect these to continue, not necessarily weekly. Douglas Cowling and William L. Hoffman are also posting relevant to chorales and other music for the Lutheran Church Year, accessible via LCY pages.

I do not always take the time to check all links before posting. Special thanks to the folks who provide timely corrections.

Julian Mincham wrote (June 3, 2012):
[To Ed Myskowski] An early work and, many would probably say, a slight one. But i have always found it quite charming and I recommend those who do not know it already to make its aquaintance

William L. Hoffmann wrote (June 4, 2012):
Cantata 162: Trinity 20 Chorales, Scripture, Fugitive Notes

See: Motets & Chorales for 20^th Sunday after Trinity

Julian Mincham wrote (June 4, 2012):
[To William L. Hoffman] Thank you Will for the detail on these three interesting cantatas.

I always learn something new from your posts.

Ed Myskowski wrote (June 4, 2012):
Ed Myskowski wrote:
< Introduction to BWV 162 -- Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe
http://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV162.htm
The link to commentary by Julian [Mincham], music examples included, is especially recommended as an introduction to listening. >
From Julians essay:

<It is common practice for Bach to pre-empt the solo singer’s opening line in the ritornello theme. Likewise, transposed up a third and beginning on g, it would fit well in the tenth bar, echoing the initial vocal statement. There are so many places where this theme fits effortlessly into the contrapuntal texture making it highly unlikely that Bach would have devised his counterpoint in such a way, trusting only in the ability of the keyboard player (unless it was himself) to recognise and realise the possibilities. The movement will work with a little creative input from the organist but the better solution is a fully realised part.> (end quote)

Durr expresses a compatible opinion.

Gardiner comments:

<The journey continues in the soprano aria (No. 3) in which the refreshment of cooling wayside water is evoked in 12/8 metre and via the obbligato lines for flute and oboe damore reconstructed for us by Robert Levin.> (end quote)

Suzuki provides his own *reconstruction*, for *flauto dolce*.

Note that the term *reconstruction* is a bit misleading. Better Julians language, *fully realized part*, newly composed for these recorded performances.

William L. Hoffmann wrote (June 4, 2012):
Cantata 162: Trinity 20 Chorales: Addendum

See: Motets & Chorales for 20^th Sunday after Trinity

Continue on Part 4

Cantata BWV 162: Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe for 20^th Sunday after Trinity (1716)
Discography: Details & Complete Recordings | Recordings of Individual Movements
Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4