About this work
Four words are enough to open the cantata: the bass asks “Where are you going?” in a line as direct as it is unsettled. Bach does not answer immediately. The following movements shift the question towards passing time, unstable happiness, and the nearness of death. This trajectory needs clear diction as well as genuine continuity between sharply different scenes.
The chorale entrusted to the soprano moves above unison strings. Keep the melody simple and steady; the close accompaniment should carry it rather than hurry it. Later, the alto aria takes on the manner of a minuet whose elegance becomes almost ironic. The rhythm remains dance-like while the words warn against trusting happiness that changes too easily.
In rehearsal, connect every movement with the opening question. Recitatives need direction and should not become mere transitions. The final chorale concentrates the argument without emphasis. Shared consonants, breaths decided together, and a continuo attentive to verbal inflection are enough to give the conclusion its weight.
What the document containsthe vocal and instrumental score of the cantata;an 18-page PDF;no accompanying MIDI file.The file follows all of the arias, recitatives, and chorales.