• Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
• Epistle: Galatians iii. 15-22 (The promises made to Abraham)
• Gospel: Luke x. 23-37 (The parable of the Good Samaritan)
• Rating: 1

Cantata BWV 33 is a chorale cantata with the original chorale melody appearing in the first and last movements. In the first, it is very effectively introduced by upwardly rushing scales on the oboes followed by the violins. In the last, a straightforward harmonisation of the melody. In between, there is an aria and a duet separated by a recitative. The first aria perhaps outstays its welcome a little too long but it may remind you of Wir Eilen from cantata BWV 78 because of the pizzicato accompaniment for the text How fearfully faltered my steps. The duet is superb, a tender duet between tenor and bass accompanied by a duet between the two oboes.

Copyright © 1996 & 1998, Simon Crouch.