Movement 3: Tenor Recitative

General Overview

The third movement is a secco recitative for tenor, serving as a reflective and narrative transition between the more elaborate arias and choruses. In this movement, the tenor meditates on human sinfulness and the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice.

Form and Structure

Secco Recitative:

• Accompanied solely by the continuo (organ and cello), allowing the focus to remain on the text.
• Free-flowing rhythms mimic natural speech patterns, creating an intimate and personal tone. The movement is through-composed, following the emotional progression of the text.

Text and Expression

Themes:

• The text reflects on the speaker's sinfulness and guilt, contrasted with hope in Christ's atoning sacrifice.
• The emotional arc moves from despair to the possibility of redemption.

Text Emphasis:

• Key words like "Sünden" (sins) and "verstrickt" (entangled) are emphasised with chromaticism and dissonance.
• Words associated with redemption or faith are given brighter harmonic colours and smoother melodic contours.

Melodic Features

Speech-Like Delivery:

• The melodic line is declamatory, following the natural rhythm of the text.
• Angular melodic intervals and chromatic inflections reflect the emotional weight of the text.

Expressive Word Setting:

• Descending phrases symbolise sorrow and guilt.
• Phrases associated with redemption feature more resolved, stepwise motion.

Harmonic and Rhythmic Features

Harmony:

• The continuo part underpins the recitative with minimal harmonic support, creating an austere texture.
• Frequent use of dissonance, particularly diminished and augmented chords, highlights moments of tension in the text.
• Harmonic shifts, often sudden, underline emotional contrasts.

Rhythm:

• The rhythm is flexible, dictated by the phrasing and punctuation of the text.
• Longer note values are used to highlight key words, while shorter rhythms convey urgency or agitation.

Dynamics and Performance Practice

Dynamics:

• Dynamics are not specified but should follow the emotional trajectory of the text, with subtle shifts to reflect key moments.

Articulation:

• The delivery should be clear and declamatory, with the tenor enunciating the text for maximum impact.

Ornamentation:

• While less ornamented than arias, slight embellishments may be added at cadences for stylistic authenticity.

Key Features of Secco Recitatives in Baroque Style

• Continuo Accompaniment: Minimal accompaniment enhances the intimate and reflective nature of the movement.
• Text-Driven Composition: The music serves the text, with every phrase shaped by its meaning.
• Contrast with Surrounding Movements: The simplicity of the recitative contrasts with the more elaborate arias and choruses, providing balance within the cantata.