Description
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake) is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written in 1731 specifically for performance on the 27th Sunday after Trinity – a relatively rare occasion which only occurs when Easter is early. The cantata is based on the 1599 Lutheran hymn by Philipp Nicolai which tells the parable of the Ten Virgins according to the Gospel of Matthew.
The central, fourth movement, Zion hört die Wächter singen (Zion hears the watchmen singing) – arranged here – is the keystone of the cantata and one that demonstrates Bach’s remarkable genius with polyphony. In this movement a famously lyrical obligato melody (accompanied by basso continuo) is intertwined with strains of an equally important, but simple, chorale tune. Cleverly, whilst the two melodies appear to have virtually no connection with each other – and indeed start and end at unpredictable points in the phrases and at different times – they fit together perfectly.
To provide interesting and balanced parts for each player this arrangement uses some of the ideas and embellishments used by the British composer, Granville Bantock, in his 1932 version for full orchestra.
Various cuts are suggested to bring the overall time down from 4 minutes to 2 or 3 minutes – making this a very flexible option for all occasions – especially weddings!
