Bach: Aria "Höchster, mache deine Güte” | Lisa Larsson (soprano) & Le Concert d'Astrée

Johann Sebastian Bach's minimal scoring meets vocal virtuosity in "Höchster, mache deine Güte," the third aria in the composer's cantata "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen," BWV 51. The aria gently soars over continuo featuring text that praises the almighty before moving into a gentle plea. This performance features 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 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

The aria is essentially the spiritual core of the cantata, which Bach (1685-1750) wrote most likely in 1730. He scored it for solo soprano, trumpet, strings, and continuo, making it a rare and virtuosic combination in sacred music of the period. It was likely composed for the 15th Sunday after Trinity, although it is marked "et in ogni Tempo" — for any occasion.

Set in the key of A minor, the aria features a gentle 12/8 time signature, giving it the feeling of a pastoral dance. Bach was known for his mastery of conveying theological topics while keeping a piece's particular mood, and this piece is no exception.

During the time he wrote the cantata, Bach was living in Leipzig and serving as Thomaskantor (director of music at St. Thomas Church), a position he had held since 1723. By 1730, Bach was feeling frustrated by the lack of musical support and resources from the Leipzig city council. In 1730, he wrote a famous memorandum known as the "Entwurf" in which he complained about the general decline of church music and what was needed to maintain high standards.

It was also in this period that the composer shifted from prolific writing of cantatas — around one every week — to focusing increasingly on instrumental music and occasional compositions. The cantata "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen," BWV 51 reflects this shift. Although the aria “Höchster, mache deine Güte” features sacred text, it could easily have been intended for concert performance. The expressive nature of this aria suggests Bach could have been experimenting with more virtuosic pieces to suit a specific soloist — or perhaps impress a patron.

In the 25 years since it was founded by Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert d’Astrée has become known for its historically informed performances of Baroque music. Haïm herself is considered one of the world’s leading leading Baroque music interpreters.

Lyrics:
Höchster, mache deine Güte
Ferner alle Morgen neu.
So soll vor die Vatertreu
Auch ein dankbares Gemüte
Durch ein frommes Leben weisen,
Dass wir deine Kinder heißen.

© 2004 Karl More Productions

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