O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe, BWV 34

O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe
BWV 34 (34.1)
Church cantata by J. S. Bach
Pfingstwunder (Pentecost miracle), the topic of the cantata, 1701
Relatedbasis for BWV 34a
OccasionPentecost Sunday
Performed1 June 1727 (1727-06-01): Leipzig
Movements5
Vocal
  • alto, tenor and bass soloists
  • SATB choir
Instrumental
  • 3 trumpets
  • timpani
  • 2 oboes
  • strings
  • continuo

O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe (O eternal fire, o source of love),[1] BWV 34 (BWV 34.1), is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it in Leipzig for Pentecost Sunday, and it was the basis for a later wedding cantata, BWV 34a, beginning with the same line. Bach led the first performance on 1 June 1727.[2]

The librettist of the cantata is unknown.[2] A central contemplative aria for alto, accompanied by two flutes and muted strings, is framed by recitatives, while the two outer movements are performed by the chorus and a festive Baroque instrumental ensemble of three trumpets, timpani, two oboes, strings and continuo. The last movement quotes the conclusion of Psalm 128, "Friede über Israel" (Peace upon Israel). The themes of eternal fire, love, dwelling together and peace suit both occasions, wedding and Pentecost.

  1. ^ Dellal, Pamela. "BWV 34 – O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe". Emmanuel Music. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b Work 00044 at Bach Digital website.