BWV 105, Herr, gehe nicht ins gericht

Cantata 105 is from Bach’s “workshop period,” in which he wrote a new cantata for every Sunday and for every feast of the liturgical year.

Like many of his cantatas, 105 is a synthesis of diverse national styles and dance forms (e.g. a prelude and fugue for the opening chorus, a gavotte for the tenor aria). Unique to this cantata, however, is a clear narrative of a sinner's soul being put through God’s judgment, after which it emerges transformed.

At first, the sinner asks God be slow to judge (opening chorus), but soon realizes hiding is impossible (alto recitative) and trembles from fear of God's wrath (soprano aria).

But, in the second half, the soul is quietened, remembering the saving grace of its Savior (bass recitative), and accepts Jesus as a friend to leave behind earthly pleasures (tenor aria). The closing chorale confirms this calming sensation as the orchestra gradually slows from an anxious rhythm to a soothing tempo.

Bach scholar Alfred Dürr describes Cantata 105 as “the most sublime description of the soul in Christian art.”

If you would like to sing, join us in the Choral Rehearsal Room (2201) 12:15-1 PM for a brief rehearsal before the performance. You may pick up scores in advance in the Choral Office (2150).

Steven Seigart
DMA Candidate, Choral Conducting