Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Bach Cantata 140/Wachet Auf, ruf uns die Stimme. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 7 page research paper that offers a detailed analysis of this cantata. This is one of Bach's best known and most beautiful cantatas. The writer, drawing on Machlis (1970), takes the cantata section by section, offering description and interpretation. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khjsb140.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
(1999) asserts that the cantatas convey a "feeling of elemental joy" (p. 40) and Rifkin (1996), in reference to cantata 21, feels that this constitutes one of Bachs most
beautiful vocal works. Yet, the cantatas are also practical, that is, they were written for a purpose, which was to usually to accompany a specific church service. During Bachs era,
the Baroque, composers earned their living either through a system of patronage, or by obtaining a post with a specific church. The cantata analyzed below, #140, was composed for the
church service given on the twenty-seventh Sunday after Trinity (Robertson, 1972). This cantata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, a Voice is Calling), dates from the Leipzig
period (1731) and is one of the "finest examples of the chorale cantata as Bach performed it" (Machlis, 1970, p. 297). The Gospel that it was written to express is
Matthew 24:1-13, which tells the parable of the five wise and the five foolish virgins, who journeyed forth at midnight to meet the bridegroom (Machlis, 1970). It is clear that
Bach was inspired by the image of Christ as a "Heavenly Bridegroom" and this image from the libretto is keenly expressed in the music. The libretto is taken from the
work of "mystic" poet-composer Philip Nicolai (1556-1608), who composed both the words and music of the hymn of that name (Machlis, 1970). The three verses of his choral provide the
structure for Bachs work (Machlis, 1970). It is the image of Christ as a "Heavenly Bridegroom" that obviously provides Bach with the mystical quality that is inherent in this
work. This cantata consists of seven parts, which are analyzed individually. 1. Chorale Fantasia, E-flat major in 3/4 time. The cantata begins with a dotted rhythm, which derives from
...