Bach Cantatas, Vol. 2 - F. Werner (Erato 10-CD)

Du Hirte Israel, höre, BWV 104, composed for the Second Sunday after Easter, is part of the first
Leipzig annual cycle and was performed on 23 Aprll 1724. Of the three cantatas (Cantatas 104, 85
and ll2) that interpret the Gospel of the Good Shepherd (lohn 10: 12-16), this is the most accessible
and the one in which the image of the Good Shepherd is translated most directly and in the greatest
detail into pastoral idiom: lilting triplets and triads, pedal points hinting at the bagpipe as the
shepherds' instrument, and the pastoral sound of the oboe and oboe da caccia. The spacious
opening chorus is also full of pastoral touches: these are apparent not only in the orchestral
introduction and the block chords for the imprecatory cries of "höre" (hear us) and "erscheine"
(appear), but even in the two incorporated fugues on the words "der du Joseph hütest wie der
Schafe" (thou who guidest loseph like a flock). The first aria, in B minor, is the only one in a minor
key, indicating that confidence in salvation is still subdued and somewhat anxious. The elaborate
four-part writing in which the three upper parts, two oboi d'amore and the tenor voice are
supported by the continuo, weaves by virtue of the instrumentation a texture which is as strict as it
is charming. Both the theme and the imitative technique of the main section vividly describe the
steps of the faithful, hurrying along in spite of misgivings, and the protection, albeit still concealed,
vouchsafed by the Good Shepherd. The second aria, in D, in which the soloist is accompanied by
rich sonorities of strings and woodwind, is homophonic and dance-like, and arrival at the
destination is once again depicted as a transfigured pastoral scene. The sublime intensity of melody
and sound are unusual, even for Bach. The concluding chorale is a simple four-part setting, the key
of which (A) is not only more brilliant than that of the opening chorus in G, but also carries
symbolic meaning by being pitched a tone higher.
Nele Anders (B\\1/ 180)
Nicholas Anderson (BWV 53, 160)
AlfredDürr (BVW 8, 10, 19, 21,26)
LudwigFinscher (B\AIV 50, 51, 56, 70,78,79,80, 85, 90, 98,102,104, 105, 106, 119)
Wolfgang Marx Translation: Stuart Spencer (BWV 200)
Gerhard Schumacher (BWV 130, l3l, 137, 140, 147, 149, 150)
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