• Septuagesima Sunday
• Epistle: 1 Corinthians ix. 24-27, x. 1-5 (Our life is like a race)
• Gospel: Matthew xx. 1-16 (The labourers of the vineyard)
• Rating: 2

The opening chorus of this chorale cantata starts with a very attractive introduction from a pair of oboes d'amore and continues with the choir singing a fairly straightforward chorale arrangement over the orchestra. The chorale/recitative that follows interpolates lines of recitative between the lines of the hymn verse. The first tenor aria is a very upbeat affair with aggressive ascending lines from the violins and the oboes d'amore return for the next chorale where they provide a most attractive backdrop for a straightforward rendition of the hymn. After a recitative the bass get his up-tempo aria accompanied only by a very agitated continuo group. The chorale/recitative that follows is more attractive than the first, flowing more rhythmically and logically. The final aria for alto features a solo oboe d'amore over pizzicato strings creating a very effective duet with the vocal soloist. The cantata draws to a close with a straightforward setting of the chorale tune.

Copyright © 1996 & 1998, Simon Crouch.