Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden
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Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden (Stay with us, for evening falls) is a cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. In Wolfgang Schmieder's catalogue of Bach's works, it is BWV 6.
It was written in Leipzig for Easter Monday, and was first performed on 2 April 1725. It is based on chorales by Nikolaus Hermann and Martin Luther. The text of the first movement comes from Luke 24:29.
The piece is written for two oboes, oboe da caccia, strings (violins, violas and basso continuo), vocal soloists and choir. It is in six movements, in C minor unless otherwise noted:
- Chorus: "Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden" - a freely polyphonic movement in ternary form for the entire ensemble. The middle section is fugal in texture.
- Aria: "Hochgelobter Gottessohn" ("Highly-praised Son of God") - for alto, oboe da caccia and continuo (E-flat major).
- Chorale: "Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ" ("Ah, stay with us, Lord Jesus Christ") - a setting of Hermann's chorale for solo soprano, piccolo cello and continuo (B-flat major).
- Recitative: "Es hat die Dunkelheit an vielen Orten" ("The darkness has [taken over] in many places") - for bass and continuo (G minor).
- Aria: "Jesu, laß uns auf dich sehen" ("Jesus, let us look upon you") - for tenor, strings and continuo (B-flat major).
- Chorale: "Beweis dein Macht, Herr Jesu Christ" ("Reveal your strength, Lord Jesus Christ") - the last verse of the chorale, sung and played by the whole ensemble.
