Bach: Wedding Cantata, BWV 202 | Lisa Larsson (soprano) & Le Concert d'Astrée

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Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten” (Dissipate, you troublesome shadows), BWV 202, often referred to as the Wedding or Marriage Cantata, is a buoyant secular work featuring a soprano's ode to spring. It remains one of Bach's most popular secular vocal pieces centuries after he wrote it. Although the exact date of composition is unknown, it was likely written between 1717 and 1723 while Bach was working in Köthen, Germany, although some scholars argue it could have also been composed in 1714 when he was in Weimar. Here, the cantata is performed by soprano Lisa Larsson and the ensemble Le Concert d'Astrée conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm. It was part of a concert that took place on January 24, 2004 in Paris's Théâtre du Châtelet.

(00:00) I. Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten (Aria)
(06:01) II. Die Welt wird wieder neu (Recitative)
(06:27) III. Phoebus eilt mit schnellen Pferden (Aria)
(09:29) IV. Drum sucht auch Amor sein Vergnügen (Recitative)
(10:10) V. Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen (Aria)
(12:45) VI. Und dieses ist das Glücke (Recitative)
(13:32) VII. Sich üben im Lieben (Aria)
(17:35) VIII. So sei das Band der keuschen Liebe (Recitative)
(17:58) IX. Sehet in Zufriedenheit (Aria/Gavotte)

LISA LARSSON | Soprano
ENSEMBLE CONCERT D’ASTRÉE:
STÉPHANIE-MARIE DEGAND | Violin
STÉPHANIE PAULET | Violin
MARIA CHRISTINA VASI | Viola
ATSUSHI SAKAI | Cello
RICHARD MYRON | Double Bass
HÉLOÏSE GAILLARD | Oboe
ERIC BELLOCQ | Theorbo
EMMANUELLE HAÏM | Harpsichord, Organ and Direction

In a pattern typical of Bach's secular vocal works, the Cantata “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten” (Dissipate, you troublesome shadows), BWV 202 features a series of recitatives and arias in nine movements. The opening aria dispels the gloom of winter, making way for love and springtime. This message sets the tone for the rest of the work, where themes of joy, new beginnings, love and natural beauty are explored. Many mythological characters float though the poetry of the piece to do their matchmaking work, including Cupid and Phoebus (another name for the Greek god Apollo). Bach paints them into the music, too: Cupid's step takes the form of a sprightly bass line, while Phoebus's gallop is an energetic cello.

BMV 202 offers a glimpse into Bach’s ability to craft music for occasions outside the religious sphere, showing his sensitivity to both the emotional and ceremonial aspects of social life. He was frequently commissioned to write pieces such as these for events like weddings, birthdays, name days or political ceremonies, including over two dozen secular cantatas.

Today, the work remains a favorite among sopranos and is frequently performed at weddings and recitals thanks to its charm, accessibility and graceful celebration of love. Elegant and intimate, it's easy to see even today that the work is ideal for a festive, yet personal, event, such as a wedding — and indeed it's often still sung at weddings today.

The ensemble Le Concert d'Astrée conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm is a leading early music group. In addition to winning multiple awards, the ensemble has been praised for its extensive discography of works by composers such as Bach, Monteverdi, Handel and others.

© 2004 Karl More Productions

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