Movement 5: Bass Recitative

General Overview

The fifth movement of Bach's Jesu, der du meine Seele is a secco recitative for bass, serving as a dramatic and reflective moment in the cantata. The text meditates on the themes of Christ's suffering and death, presenting it as a source of redemption and salvation for humanity.

Form and Structure

Secco Recitative:

• Accompanied only by the continuo (organ and cello), creating a sparse and intimate texture.
• This simplicity allows the focus to remain entirely on the text and its expressive delivery. The movement is through-composed, progressing with the natural flow of the text rather than adhering to a fixed musical form.

Text and Expression

Themes:

• Reflects on the physical and emotional torment endured by Christ for humanity's sins.
• Explores the idea of redemption through suffering, transitioning from anguish to hope.

Text Emphasis:

• Keywords like "geißeln" (scourged) and "Wunden" (wounds) are highlighted through chromaticism and melodic tension.

Melodic Features

Declamatory Style:

• The melody follows the natural rhythm and inflexion of the German text, making it speech-like and expressive.
• Angular melodic lines, with leaps and chromatic intervals, convey the emotional weight of the text.

Word Painting:

• Descending lines symbolise Christ's suffering and physical torment.
• Harmonically stable phrases reflect moments of hope and redemption.

Harmonic and Rhythmic Features

Harmony:

• Minimal harmonic accompaniment from the continuo creates an austere and reflective atmosphere.
• Dissonances and suspensions are used to highlight moments of pain or tension, resolving into consonance to symbolise spiritual relief.
• The movement modulates through related minor and major keys, reflecting the emotional shifts in the text.

Rhythm:

• Flexible and free-flowing, mirroring the natural cadence of the words.
• Longer note values are used for important or emotionally charged words, giving them prominence.

Dynamics and Performance Practice

Dynamics:

• Not explicitly marked but should follow the emotional content of the text, with subtle variations to highlight dramatic moments.

Articulation:

• Clarity in delivery is essential, with careful phrasing to emphasise the theological depth of the text.

Ornamentation:

• Minimal ornamentation is expected in secco recitatives, but performers may add slight embellishments at cadences for stylistic authenticity.

Key Features of Secco Recitatives in Baroque Style

Continuo Accompaniment:

• The sparse continuo accompaniment ensures that the text takes centre stage, underscoring its significance.

Text-Driven Composition:

• The melody and rhythm are dictated entirely by the text, ensuring the music serves its theological and dramatic purpose.

Contrast with Arias and Choruses:

• The simplicity of the recitative contrasts with the more elaborate arias and choruses, providing balance within the cantata's structure.