Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen
BWV 11 · “Praise God in His Kingdoms”
Bach’s Ascension Oratorio BWV11 (“Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen”) was first performed in Leipzig on Ascension Day (19 May) 1735. With two flanking choruses, two arias and a central chorale (hymn), it could pass as one of Bach’s regular cantatas—except for the appearance of a singer in the role of an “Evangelist”, who sings a biblical narrative in speech-like recitative typical of an oratorio. The overall mood is of celebration at Christ’s Ascension into heaven, and the opening and closing choruses thrill to the sound of trumpets and drums. Much of the music was recycled from other works, and the haunting alto aria “Ach bleibe doch” is similar to the famous Agnus Dei of Bach’s Mass in B Minor. The music of the second aria, “Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke” for soprano, illustrates Christ’s bodily departure from Earth by omitting the low, earthly bassline, while the power of his loving spirit—which remains—is reflected in the light, uplifting accompaniment for flutes and oboe.
