Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis

Johann Sebastian Bach

“Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis” (BWV 21) is not only the longest of Bach’s cantatas but also the most mystifying of them all, and that with the longest genesis. Bach himself premiered it in Weimar in 1714 on the fourth Sunday after Pentecost but not yet with all the stanzas from the 1723 version, which he performed in Leipzig.

Not only its length but also its lyrics are remarkable. The words are taken from Psalms and Revelation as well as from a famous hymn by Protestant poet and church composer Georg Neumark. The libretto conveys the deep anguish and affliction of the soul (soprano) who finds herself in this world of limitation and separation, and it climaxes in a most dramatic dialogue between the soul and Jesus (bass), who patiently and unceasingly lifts and reassures the dejected soul so burdened by her suffering and self-hatred.

This gripping duet is a masterly scene in itself, almost operatic like a lovers’ dialogue, and profound in the psychological capture of the deep-seated disbelief and self-abasement of man juxtaposed with the supreme forgiveness and cheerful encouragement coming from the Christ.

Come, my Jesus, and restore… Yes, I come and restore…

and gladden with your gaze… You with my gaze of grace…

this soul… Your soul…

that shall die… It shall live…

this soul… Your soul…

that shall die… It shall live and not die…

and in its misfortune-cavern… Here, out of this wound-cavity [in my rib]…

entirely decay… You shall inherit salvation…

I must constantly hover in grief… Through [my blood,] this juice of the grape…

Yes, ah yes, I am lost… No, ah no, you are chosen…

Yes, ah yes, I am lost… No, ah no, you are chosen…

No, ah no, you hate me… Yes, ah yes, I love you…

Ah, Jesus, fill me with sweetness of soul and heart… Escape, you worries; disappear, you pain.

Come, my Jesus, and restore… Yes, I come and restore…

me with your gaze of grace… You with my gaze of grace…