Movement 2: Aria Duet

General Overview

The second movement of Bach's Jesu, der du meine Seele is a lively and joyful duet aria for soprano and alto, accompanied by continuo and obbligato violin. This movement contrasts with the solemnity of the opening chorus, depicting the eagerness and determination of the faithful to follow Christ.

Form and Structure

Da Capo Aria (ABA'):

• A Section: Introduces the main theme, reflecting urgency and devotion.
• B Section: Contrasts with a more reflective mood and different key.
• A' Section: Returns to the first theme, often with slight embellishments. The structure creates balance and symmetry while allowing room for expressive contrast between sections.

Instrumentation and Texture

Soprano and Alto Voices:

• Perform in canon (imitative entries), symbolising the shared journey of the faithful.
• Their interweaving lines create a playful and vibrant texture.

Obbligato Violin:

• Plays an independent, intricate melody, adding brightness and movement.
• The violin line mirrors the vocal themes and enriches the overall texture.

Continuo:

• Provides a steady harmonic foundation with a rhythmic drive, ensuring cohesion.

Melodic Features

Lively Melismas:

• The melodic lines are adorned with rapid, flowing melismas, symbolising energy and devotion.
• Phrases such as "Wir eilen" (we hurry) are extended and ornamented to convey eagerness.

Imitation and Canon:

• The soprano begins each phrase, followed closely by the alto in imitation.
• This canon-like texture reflects unity and shared purpose.

Ornamentation:

• The obbligato violin part includes elaborate trills and scales, complementing the vocal lines.

Harmonic and Rhythmic Features

• Key: B-flat major, contributing to the light and joyful character.
• Modulations: The B section modulates to the relative minor (G minor), adding a reflective contrast.
• Harmony: Functional harmony supports the forward motion of the movement, with cadences clearly marking phrases.
• Rhythm:
  • Dance-like rhythms dominate, with a steady 4/4 time signature providing a buoyant, lilting quality.
  • Syncopations in the obbligato violin add rhythmic interest and energy.

Word Painting

"Wir eilen" (We hurry):

• Rapid melismas in both voices depict the act of hurrying or eagerness.
• The violin's cascading scales mirror this sense of urgency.

Contrasts in the B Section:

• Slower, more reflective phrases reflect a moment of pause and introspection, before returning to the lively A section.

Dynamics and Performance Practice

Dynamics:

• Not explicitly marked in the score but implied by the text and mood.
• Performers typically use dynamic shading to highlight contrasts between the A and B sections.

Articulation:

• Light and crisp articulation enhances the joyful and dance-like character.

Ornamentation:

• The obbligato violin and vocalists are expected to add tasteful embellishments during the da capo section to maintain interest.