J.S. Bach: Selig ist der Mann, BWV 57 - The Church Cantatas, Vol. 154

Cantata 57 ‘Selig ist der Mann’, in eight movements and conceived as a dialogue, was written for the second day of Christmas 1725. Two vocal soloists fulfill the main roles, the bass portraying Christ and the soprano the human soul, called ‘Anima’ by Bach. Remarkably, the entire cantata text omits any reference to Christmas, the birth of ChriSt The theme is rather the temptation of sin, over which Christ is victorious. Despite frequent mention of martyrdom, optimism predominates in arias such as No.5 ‘Ja, ich kann die Feinde schlagen’, with its lively bass and dominating violin part. In the soprano aria No.7 ‘Ich ende behende mein irdisches Leben’, a fine trio for soprano, solo violin and basso continuo, the reason for this optimism, the life everlasting, becomes clear: ‘Mein Heiland ich sterbe mit höchster Begier’. A simple chorale brings the cantata to an end in a mood of acquiescence. Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Artists: Netherlands Bach Collegium, Pieter Jan Leusink (conductor), Holland