Jesu, der du meine Seele

Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata Jesu, der du meine Seele "(Jesus, Thou who my soul)", BWV 78, was composed in 1724 for the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The text is based on a hymn by Johann Rist. The cantata is in seven movements. It is perhaps best known for its second movement duet, a lively and memorable piece with a bouncing accompaniment.

The seven movements are as follows:
#"Jesu, der du meine Seele" (choral fantasia in the form of a passacaglia)
#"Wir eilen mit schwachen" (duet for soprano and alto, with a very unusual Violone obbligato)
#"Ach! ich bin ein Kind der Sünden" (recitative "secco" for tenor)
#"Das Blut so meiner Schuld, durchstreit" (aria for tenor and flute obbligato)
#"Die Wünden, Nägel, Kron und Grab" (recitative "strontamento" and arioso for bass)
#"Nun, du wirst mein Gewissen stillen" (aria for bass, oboe obbligato and strings)
#"Herr ich glaube hilf mir schwachen" (chorale, "Jesu, der du meine Seele" melody)

The cantata is also remarkable for its widely contrasting moods, from the meditative profundity of the opening chorus, to the nearly joyful though hesitant bouncing of the second movement, the despair of the third and so on.

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