• Sunday after Ascension
• Epistle: 1 Peter iv. 7-11 (Be charitable to one another)
• Gospel: John xv. 26-xvi. 2 (They shall put you out of the synagogues)
• Rating: 2

The unusual array of four oboes in various combinations (oboe, oboe d'amore, oboe da caccia) in this cantata immediately makes itself known in the short stark opening recitative. The long aria for tenor that follows is accompanied constantly by the violoncello piccolo and is fine indeed, although you may feel that it outstays its welcome a little. The soprano aria that follows the next recitative is melodically more attractive than the tenor aria and is accompanied by an elaborate and attractive oboe da caccia line. The mood of Mariane von Ziegler's libretto also lightens in this movement. The cantata is concluded by a straightforward chorale setting.

Copyright © 1996 & 1998, Simon Crouch.