J. S. Bach: Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein, BWV 128 The Church Cantatas, Vol. 175
Cantata 128 Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein has, by reason of its performance on Ascension Day 10 May 1725, a festive instrumentation including brass. The work requires three soloists (alto, tenor and bass), fourpart choir, two oboes damore, oboe da caccia, two horns and a high trumpet. The latter instrument plays a most illustrative role in the bass aria underlining the words auf, auf, mit hellem Schall. Although Bach included this cantata in the cycle of chorale cantatas it is really an odd man out, since it is based not on one but on two chorales: the opening chorus and the final chorale employ different melodies. In the opening chorus the orchestra comes into its own in jubilant and energetic semiquaver writing. In the earliermentioned aria No. 3 Bach has a surprise in store when, before the final ritornello, he inserts an unexpected accompanied recitative. The charming duet No. 4 in rocking 6, 8 time has a most appropriate oboe damore part. The work ends with a simple chorale. Composer
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