Aria and Chorale from Cantata BWV140

Aria and Chorale from Cantata 140
'Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme'
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
For Flute Choir
Arranged by Bruce Behnke
Published by Alry Publications
Includes score and parts

The Choral melody in the Aria (Sleepers Wake) can be played by one flute or several instruments.

Instrumentation:
Piccolo
Eb Flute (or C Flute)
4 C Flutes
Alto Flute
Bass Flute

Contents:
I.  Aria
II. Chorale

Performance Notes:
      This Aria and Chorale from Cantata BWV 140 by Johann S. Bach is based on the Lutheran Chorale, “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme.” In English it is known as 'Sleepers Awake' and was written for the 27th Sunday after Trinity and was first performed in Leipzig on November 25, 1731. Bach liked the Aria so much that he later arranged it for solo organ in a collection called the Schubler Chorales.
      The solo part can be performed in many different ways. Solo Piccolo, Solo Eb Flute, Solo C Flute in higher or lower pitch or as an ensemble made up of any of the instruments. Because the alto and bass flutes are doubled during throughout the entirety of the piece, they can be considered optional. The Bass Flute is doubled in the Flute 4 part, whereas the Alto Flute is doubled across the first three C flute parts. – Bruce Behnke

Available Recording:
Colorado Flute Orchestra – A Patchwork Christmas