Johann Sebastian Bach: Jesus, you have freed my spirit
full score
moreRudolf Lutz
Jesu, der du meine Seele BWV 78
(Jesus, you have freed my spirit)
My approach to Bach has a great deal to do with my development and approach as an improviser and composer. What has always particularly interested me is the decisions Bach made in setting and working out his textual model, some of which can be reconstructed from the movement structure, but others completely unexpected. For me the most memorable experiences include the performance of the cantata Jesu, der du meine Seele BWV 78. This is a fascinating work right from the opening chorus for its innovative blending of traditions combining a chorale motet with an ostinato passacaglia and concerto-style elements. The following duet “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten” in turn combines an almost folk-music-like cheerfulness with a beguiling duet and busy continuo writing. And the arias and recitatives feature more than ideally-matched musical expression for each nuance of the text – from strongly-expressive declamation over the elegiac melody of the flutes to the pathos-laden accompagnato and energetic orchestral writing. When the final chorale with its powerful longing for eternity is heard, we have experienced a veritable sermon in music which is never conventional or wearying. So I always look forward to new works when I open the score of a Bach cantata I do not yet know.