O Jesus Christ, my life, my light
Funeral motet BWV 118 (BWV3 118.1-2), 1736/37 bzw. 1. Hälfte der 1740er Jahre
Two versions survived: 1st version composed 1736/37, 2nd version in the first half of the 1740s. The versions differ only in instrumentation, and both are integrated in this edition.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s funeral composition O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht (O Jesus Christ, my life, my light) BWV 118, exists in two versions which differ in essentials only as regards their instrumentation. The first version, whose source material indicates that it dates from 1736 or 1737, makes use only of brass instruments. The later version, which belongs to the period around 1746/47, requires stringed instruments instead of the cornetts and trombones; there is also specific provision for 3 oboes and a bassoon (presumably to support the voices). The unusual term “Litui” is believed to refer to two horns pitched in a high B flat.
Bach made only minor changes to the musical substance of the work when he revised it, so it appears justifiable to print both versions. The only formal alteration which Bach made in the later version was the repetition of the instrumental prelude and interlude once again at the conclusion of the work.
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Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach
| 1685-1750Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most important composers of Western music history. He came from a widely ramified musical dynasty, which produced numerous musicians and organists in the Thuringian-Saxon area.
Bach vocal
Ever since Carus-Verlag was founded in 1972, publishing the music of Johann Sebastian Bach has been a special focus for us. In the 2017 Reformation anniversary year we completed the Bach vocal project. Bach's complete sacred vocal works are now available in modern Urtext editions, together with performance material. A complete edition of all the full scores is also available in a high quality box set. Personal details
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Editor
Ulrich Leisinger
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Songwriter / Librettist
Martin Behm
| 1557-1622
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Translator
Henry Drinker
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