Systematic Discussions of Bach's Other Vocal Works: Motet BWV 229

Discussions in the Week of February 1, 2004

Neil Halliday wrote (February 19, 2004):
This motet is readily enjoyable, owing to the transparency of its structure, in which each line of text is set to music of a different character expressive of the meaning of the text.

The first four 'sentences' of the text are in 3/2 time:

1. "Come Jesus, my body is tired".

A graceful, lilting passage is set to these words.

2. "The strength disappears more and more".

A more agitated section accompanies these words.

3. "I yearn after your peace".

More graceful writing again, closing with long notes from various voices in the two choirs, on the word "peace".

4. "The bitter way is for me too hard."

This is set to an expressive fugue with a chromatic subject (a subject reminiscent of the G minor fugue in Book I of the WTC).

The next line
"Come, I will me to you give"
is set in a lively 4/4 rhythm.

The final line (of the first of two stanzas)
"You are the right way, the truth, and the life"
is set to beautiful and tuneful music in a graceful 6/8 rhythm.

The second verse is given a more usual 4-part chorale setting.

Rilling's recording reveals a nice separation of the two choirs, but the acoustic does seem to be slightly foggy.

Jeremy Martin wrote (February 20, 2004):
Komm, Jesu, Komm. BWV 229

Perhaps my most loved Motet. The First time I ever heard it was on Television conducted by Rilling. Upon listening I could feel and even see a Divine Order in the piece which has been the focus of my thoughts from time to time.

After hearing it I was taken into thought. My thoughts, that Bach Lined up (as it were) a Keyhole in his heart with a Key from Heaven that opened his heart and he was able to take of the music from Kingdom of God and bring it to earth.

I had always wanted the sheet music of this Divine piece. So one day around a year later I went to the Post office to send a friend the score of a Piano piece I had wrote for her for her Birthday. After mailing it I had $1 left. On the way home I was coming up to the Library and I remebered "Komm, Jesu, Komm" and that I could get the Sheet music from this site. So, I had my sister drop me off at the Library so I could print the score of this Piece that Made me think of the music from Heaven.

On the way into the Library I was stopped from within and the thought crossed my mind to look at the books by the door that they sell for $1, I had $1 left. I looked down and there was a book by Max Lucado called, "Just like Jesus" I picked it up and entered the Library as I waited to get on a Computer to Print "Komm, Jesu, Komm". I opened the book I had picked up, I opened and seen Chapter 4 "Hearing God's Music" --A Listening Heart-- So I got on the Computer and Printed "Komm, Jesu, Komm" and with my last $1 I bought "Just Like Jesus".

Later at home I opened the book and read Chapter 4 "Hearing God's Music" The key was, "A regular time and place.
An open Bible.
An open Heart."

Those three lines written like a Fugue.

It ended the chapter saying, "Let God have you, and let God love you---and don't be surprised if your heart begins to hear music you've never heard and your feet learn to dance as never before."

I am grateful that God still uses Bach as a Miracle today. I have learned much through his music and this piece BWV 229 "Komm, Jesu, Komm", it is very special to me. I desire that everyone could see the True Miracle of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and "Hear God's Music"

He is Faithful,

Motets BWV 225-231: Details
Recordings: Until 1970 | 1971-1980 | 1981-1990 | 1991-2000 | From 2001
General Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2 | Systematic Discussions: BWV 225 | BWV 226 | BWV 227 | BWV 228 | BWV 229 | BWV 230 | BWV 231
Individual Recordings: Motets – Cantus Cölln | Motets – Ericson | Motets – Fasolis | Motets – Harnoncourt | Motets - Kammler

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Last update: ýFebruary 20, 2004 ý12:39:55