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| Illustration by Norma Boeckler, former member of my dad's church! |
Let's play a nice friendly round of "Guess the Chorale Tune."
Cantata No. 19, for the September feast of St. Michael's, kicks off with a whirl of contrapuntal hilarity not unlike the "Sind Blitzen" outburst of the St. Matthew Passion, mimicking the struggle between the angels and Satan, the bass teases the defeated dragon in a declamatory recit, and the soprano tells of the secure encircling of the heavenly host around the Christian's camp, interwoven by sturdy oboes. Still, the real jewel follows in the tenor aria.
In this minor-key movement, pillowed by tenderly lilting strings, he pleads that the angels will stay with him on both sides, but also keep him directed to praise the Lord above. In the background, the trumpet soloist plays a very familiar hymn, more specifically, the third verse. Can you guess what it is? :)
Recording of the aria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuoLIn3krUQ
Score: http://petrucci.mus.auth.gr/imglnks/usimg/d/dd/IMSLP00744-BWV0019.pdf
Translation (contains spoilers!): http://www.emmanuelmusic.org/notes_translations/translations_cantata/t_bwv019.htm
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