Description
Aria
Hark Now! The Gentle Flutes in Chorus from Cantata BWV 206
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
For Soprano (or Piccolo) and Flute Choir
Arranged by Martha Rearick
English translation by Robert MacDonald
Published by Alry Publications
Includes score and parts
Performance Notes:
The title of the cantata from which this aria has been extracted is “Schliecht, spielende Wellen, und murmelt gelinde.” (Flow, playful waves, and murmer softly). The cantata was composed to celebrate the birthday of August III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland from 1733 to 1763. (His birthday was October 17, 1696.) Apropos to the occasion, the four vocal soloists in this secular cantata represent four rivers in the territory governed by August III: the Elbe, which originates in Saxony and flows through Dresden to the North Sea; the Vistula, flowing northward through Poland; the Danube, flowing southeast into the Black Sea; and the Pleisse, a small river which winds its way through Leipzig. The soprano sings the role of the river Pleisse.
Performance Suggestions:
Bach's original scoring called for three transverse flutes, soprano, and continuo. This transcription assigns the continuo line to the fourth flute part, and to the optional alto and bass flutes. All of the dynamics are Bach's original markings. An ideal instrumentation for performance would be:
Flute 1: 2 Flutes
Flute 2: 2 Flutes
Flute 3: 2 Flutes
Flute 4: 3 Flutes OR 2 Altos and 1 Bass Flute
Soprano OR Piccolo Solo