J. S. Bach: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62 The Church Cantatas, Vol. 156

The sixmovement Advent Cantata 62 Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland is part of the 1724 cycle of chorale cantatas. It is framed by two choral movements based on the worldfamous chorale Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, the text of which is Luthers translation of the hymn Veni, redemptor gentium. In the opening chorus the melody is heard in the soprano and the accompanying horn part. In the context of Advent ( coming or arrival) the crucial word is komm. Two ariarecitative pairs follow. In the bass recitative No. 3 Bach illustrates the word laufen realistically with a scale figure, and the word Gefallne with a descending seventh. Quite appropriate to the pastoral mood of Advent and the image of the child in a cradle is the rocking siciliano rhythm of the tenor aria In the bass aria, in fighting spirit, Bach creates a continuo part in parallel movement with the high strings. Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Artists: Netherlands Bach Collegium, Pieter Jan Leusink (conductor), Holland Boys Ch