3rd Movement Tenor Rectiative (Recitativo Secco)
The 3rd movement is a RecitativoSecco (dry), meaning it is accompanied by Continuo only. There is no repetition of text and obviously no imitation.
The mood of angst which comes from the text (words) is illustrated in the music by wide angular leaps in the melody (7ths are plentiful; starts with an augmented 4th-“Diablos in Musica”), the use of Chromatic unresolved harmonies (many diminished chords) and the absence of a clear tonal centre; (Dissonance), but coming to rest on a single C. The continuo is marked piano (soft) which is very unusual in a recitative.
The text setting is mostly syllabic except for the word zurnet (Anger). This is an example of Bach's use of melisma to highlight a word (word painting).
The mood of angst which comes from the text (words) is illustrated in the music by wide angular leaps in the melody (7ths are plentiful; starts with an augmented 4th-“Diablos in Musica”), the use of Chromatic unresolved harmonies (many diminished chords) and the absence of a clear tonal centre; (Dissonance), but coming to rest on a single C. The continuo is marked piano (soft) which is very unusual in a recitative.
The text setting is mostly syllabic except for the word zurnet (Anger). This is an example of Bach's use of melisma to highlight a word (word painting).
Further examining of the text with words such as anger, penitently, derelictions, sorrow, evil, curse, sins, and failings explain why it has been set as a somewhat austere (severe mood) recitative as opposed to the more lyrical and praising arias. Observe the repeated F and Eb quavers in the continuo near the end- pedal notes.
Ends on a Perfect Cadence, V-I in C changing the mood in preparation for the next Aria.
Ends on a Perfect Cadence, V-I in C changing the mood in preparation for the next Aria.
The Recitatives are placed between the Arias for contrast. There are only a handful of questions to be asked on this movement, but interesting comparisons with other contrasting movements are possible as well as general questions re: style or use of text.
Compare the 3rd and 5th movements? Both Recitatives are very different.
Compare the 3rd and 5th movements? Both Recitatives are very different.