BWV 4 - Christ lag in Todesbanden | Zimmermann Band

Bach was only 21 or so in 1707 when he wrote the first version of Christ lag in Todesbanden and already, Bach was writing masterpieces with huge emotional depth and symbolism.* Bach was also already a well-cultured and international composer. This cantata is scored in the French style by including a second viola part yet includes a rustic Italian violin concerto in the Aria ’Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn’ while also developing the German school further than his contemporaries or predecessors. The cantata is based on the verses of the hymn of the same name by Martin Luther, written c. 150 years earlier. A short sinfonia in the grave style sets the scene before the opening chorus properly opens proceedings. With Bach and the baroque period in general, when it comes to Easter cantatas you normally expect D major, 3 trumpets, and timpani. Instead we get E minor, chorale in the soprano line, concerted lower voices, and the two violin parts working together to support the soprano while also enga