Cantata BWV 134Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß

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Translation

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Notes on Translation

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Analysis

This cantata has a complex history. Originally written as a secular cantata in Köthen (the original of which is now numbered BWV 134a), it was performed in Leipzig in 1724 and 1731, before being extensively revised in 1735. The poetry used in the sacred setting is also rather complex, without ever getting very precise. A lot of theological concepts waft about the place in poetic language without allusion to any specific Biblical text one might be able to latch on to. The translation has been a pain, basically!

The music (especially Movement 4) makes it worth it, however.

 

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