J.S. Bach: Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 99 - The Church Cantatas, Vol. 78

Cantata 99 ‘Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan’ is based on the same opening text and chorale melody as cantatas 98 and 100. Bach wrote the work in Leipzig for the 15th Sunday after Trinity, 17 September 1724, during his second year as cantor at the Thomaskirche. The cantata opens with an extensive choral movement in which the orchestra plays a substantial role. The horn doubles the sopranos, who sing the chorale melody from bar 20/21 onwards. In addition to the customary strings, the flauto traverso and oboe d’amore make their appearance as a duo. A secco recitative for the bass leads to a tenor aria (No.3) in the appropriate key of E minor. The flute and voice illustrate the text most imaginatively at words such as ‘erschüttre dich nur nicht’ (do not be shaken), where Bach indeed gives the notes a shaking. The fifth movement, entitled aria, really comprises two duets, one between the soprano and alto and the other between the flute and oboe d’amore. The work concludes with a simple chorale. Compose