O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe | |
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BWV 34 (34.1) | |
Church cantata by J. S. Bach | |
Pfingstwunder (Pentecost miracle), the topic of the cantata, 1701 | |
Related | basis for BWV 34a |
Occasion | Pentecost Sunday |
Performed | 1 June 1727 Leipzig : |
Movements | 5 |
Vocal |
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Instrumental |
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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.