Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

J. S. BachBWV 140

Key

Eb

Time

C

Tempo

♩=70

AO focus

AO3

Form

Chorale cantata in seven movements based on Philipp Nicolai's 1599 hymn-tune. The fourth movement (a quartet of strings + chorale) became famous as Bach's 'Sleepers Wake' — universal Advent / Reformation programming.

Teaching points

• Cantus firmus on the chorale tune — voices state Nicolai's hymn-tune in long notes while the strings play independent counterpoint
• Three-layer texture: chorale (slow, voice or unison), counterpoint (fast, strings), continuo (walking bass)
• AO3: Bach's 'sacred sandwich' — secular form (instrumental ritornello) wrapped around sacred text and tune