• Third Sunday After Epiphany
• Epistle: Romans xii. 17-21 (Overcome evil with good)
• Gospel: Matthew viii. 1-13 (The cleansing of the leper)
• Rating: 1

The oboe takes centre stage in this cantata with an addictive short figure in the first movement and a beautifully melodious phrase in the second. The first movement is a chorale movement interspersed with recitative from each of the three soloists in turn. Next comes the high point of the cantata with the beautiful tenor aria Oh enter thou spirit of joy into my heart. A bass recitative is followed by a heartfelt bass aria describing the soul's readiness for death. The phrase Lord, as Thou wilt is a recurring motif. This is a lovely movement that almost bears comparison with the beautiful bass aria from BWV 82. A very special chorale setting Das ist des Vaters Wille finishes the Cantata.

Copyright © 1996 & 1998, Simon Crouch.