Johann Sebastian Bach

Duo From Cantata No. 78

Cantata No. 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele, was first performed on September IO, I724, for the I4th Sunday after Trinity. It is one of Bach's best known cantatas, having especially rich musical painting of the text. The duo, Wir eilen mit schwachen doch emsigen Schritten ('We hasten with weak, yet eager steps'), was originally for soprano and alto and depicts the faltering yet persistent walk of the faithful who call upon Chdst to help them. The piano part (originally for continuo - organ and cello) shows this in nearly every bar with persistent eighth notes in a rising and falling pattern.