Du Hirte Israel, höre (BWV 104): bass aria
Release Date:
Just after Good Shepherd Sunday, we settle in to this comforting pastorale. Not the famous opening movement -- no, this is another beautiful sicilienne-type dance, a bass aria, in which Bach gives a masterclass on melodic writing in just 5 seconds of music. Melodic shape, sequence, pedal point, and effective parallel motion in triads -- these are all showcased in the first few measures. Then, Alex points out his favorite moment, in the B section of the aria: a long note sung by the bass soloist.
Du Hirte Israel, höre performed by the Netherlands Bach Society (this link takes you straight to the bass aria "Beglückte Herde"
Du Hirte Israel, höre (BWV 104): bass aria