Bach: Wachet auf for Piano Quartet by Johann Sebastian Bach Piano Quartet - Digital Sheet Music
By Johann Sebastian Bach
21894515
Bach: Wachet auf for Piano Quartet
21894515
21894515
21894515
Details
Piano Quartet, String Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.552098
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. This edition: audio, pdf, streaming. Baroque, Instructional, Standards, Wedding. 18 pages. Jmsgu3 #6119389. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.552098).Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (BWV 140), also known as "Sleepers Awake," is one of his most celebrated works. Composed in 1731 for the 27th Sunday after Trinity, it is based on a 1599 Lutheran hymn by Philipp Nicolai. The cantata is structured around the parable of the Ten Virgins from the Gospel of Matthew, which serves as a warning to be prepared for the Day of Judgment. Key Elements and Structure Chorale Fantasia: The first movement is a grand chorale fantasia, characterized by a slow-moving chorale and sophisticated musical techniques. It features a stately dotted rhythm and an ascending scale with syncopated accents, creating a sense of anticipation and readiness. Movements and Scoring: The cantata consists of seven movements, including chorales, recitatives, and duets. It is scored for three soloists (soprano, tenor, bass), a four-part choir, and an orchestra that includes oboes, violins, viola, and basso continuo. Famous Sections: The fourth movement, "Zion hört die Wächter singen" (Zion hears the watchmen singing), is particularly renowned and was later transcribed by Bach for organ as part of the Schübler Chorales (BWV 645). Thematic and Musical Significance Parable of the Ten Virgins: The cantata's text is deeply rooted in the parable, emphasizing vigilance and spiritual readiness themes. This allegory influenced medieval art and architecture, further enriching the cantata's cultural and historical context. Musical Innovation: Bach's use of chorale fantasia, dramatic recitatives, and love duets reflects his ability to blend traditional hymn tunes with contemporary operatic styles. This combination creates a rich tapestry of sound and emotion, making the cantata a spiritual and artistic masterpiece. Cultural Impact: Despite its initial rarity due to the specific liturgical occasion, "Wachet auf" has become one of Bach's most famous cantatas, celebrated for its beauty and depth. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Bach's genius in transforming simple hymn tunes into complex and expressive works of art.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
