Tölzer Boy Henrik and Bass Krešimir Stražanac Sing Bach Duet with Funky Backbeat from BWV 79

Details

Description

The BACH ENTWURFF PROJECT Recorded Live 21 June, 2025, Allerheiliger-Hofkirche Residenz, Munich

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TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY

As with companion Reformation Day Cantatas (BWV 80 and 129), BWV 79 is another display of Bach’s Christian Soldier militarism. Though the battlefield lies within the domain of spiritual warfare, a literal martial spirit is conveyed in these works. Drums and turbulent rhythms accompany texts describing a community of orthodox Christians besieged by temporal and supernatural enemies bent on destruction of the Faith. The soprano-bass duet in section 5 implores steadfast Divine protection “Even though Enemies rage greatly against us” (“Obgleich sehr Wider uns die Feinde toben”). The vocal lines oscillate between parallel intervals and intricate, high-flying imitative writing. Meanwhile, the instrumental accompaniment maintains a furious, propulsive rhythm with slashing tropes in the strings.

Lyrics German/ English Translation

DUETTO (S-B)
Gott, ach Gott, verlass die Deinen
Nimmermehr!
Lass dein Wort uns helle scheinen;
Obgleich sehr
Wider uns die Feinde toben,
So soll unser Mund dich loben.

Those who are yours, God, ah, God,
Abandon nevermore.
Let your word shine brightly on us;
Even though
Enemies rage greatly against us,
Our mouths shall praise you.

Footnote
The sense of this line is not “Allow that what they might simply do is call upon you as their mediator” but “Allow that what they might do is call upon simply you their mediator.” The cantata—designed for Reformation Day—proclaims explicit disagreement with the Roman Catholic practice of praying to the saints, angels, and Mary the mother of Jesus to act as intercessors with God the father. According to Protestant teaching, there is only one mediator between humankind and God the father: God the son, Jesus.

Texts and Historically-Informed Translations for the Music of Johann Sebastian Bach
By Michael Marissen and Daniel R. Melamed
https://bachcantatatexts.org/BWV79


FEATURED ARTISTS

TÖLZER KNABENCHOR & SOLOISTS
Christian Fliegner (Choir Master)- Ursula Richter (Chief Vocal Coach)

CONCERTO MÜNCHEN
(Johannes Berger- Director& Organist)
With Guest Artists: Eric Price (Tenor); Krešimir Stražanac (Bass)

JULIAN WACHNER
Conductor and Music Director

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