Bach: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Editor: Alfred Dürr Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Chamber Orchestra Work: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Cantata for the 1st Sunday in Advent), BWV 61 Binding: Work Language: German ISMN: 9790006490318 Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches Pages: 26 Urtext / Critical Edition Description Bach began two of his cantatas with Martin Luther's Advent hymn "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", a German version of the early church hymn "Veni redemptor gentium". One of the most gripping solo parts; (following the pattern recitative – aria – recitative – aria) is the bass recitative on the words of the Revelation, with its highly expressive declamation of the vocal line and the naive graphicness of the pounding string accompaniment. Equally captivating is the following soprano aria, which "opens ist heart" upon the Savior`s "knocking" in a melody full of the cheerful tidings of Advent. The cantata ends brilliantly with a lovely figurative chorale moveme