Wo gehest du hin? BWV 166

{{Short description|1724 church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach}} {{good article}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:''Wo gehest du hin?'' BWV 166}} {{use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{use list-defined references|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox Bach composition | title = {{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}} | bwv = 166 | type = Church cantata | image = Thomaskirche-1885.png | caption = Thomaskirche, Leipzig, 1885 | occasion = Cantate Sunday | performed = {{Timeline-event|date={{Start date|1724|05|07|df=y}}|location=Leipzig}} | movements = 6 | bible = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=John|chapter=16|verse=5}} | chorale = {{Plainlist| * by Bartholomäus Ringwaldt * "{{langr|de|Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende}}" }} | vocal = {{abbr|SATB|soprano, alto, tenor and bass}} soloists and choir | instrumental = {{hlist | oboe | 2 violins | viola | continuo}} }} '''{{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}}''' ("Where are you heading?",{{sfn|Dellal|2024}} literally: "Where do you go?"), '''{{abbr|BWV|Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (catalogue of Bach's works)}}{{nbsp}}166''', is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach for Cantate Sunday, the fourth Sunday after Easter. Bach composed the work as part of his first cantata cycle for Leipzig and first performed it on 7 May 1724. The topic of the cantata is based on the Farewell Discourse from the Gospel of John, when Jesus announces a Comforter. Based on his question quoted from the narration, "Where do you go?", the cantata explores the direction in which life should go.

Bach structured the work in six movements. The first movement is not the usual extended chorus, but an arioso for a bass setting a question from the gospel. It is followed by an aria for tenor, a hymn stanza for soprano, a recitative for bass and an aria for alto. The closing chorale is a four-part setting of the first stanza of the 1688 hymn "{{langr|de|Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende}}". The text of the recitative and the arias was written by an unknown librettist. Bach scored the cantata for four voices and a Baroque instrumental ensemble of oboe, strings and continuo.

== History and words == Bach had assumed his position as Thomaskantor in Leipzig in May 1723. He composed {{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}} as part of his first cantata cycle there for the fourth Sunday after Easter, called {{langr|la|Cantate}}.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}} The prescribed readings for the Sunday were from the Epistle of James, "Every good gift comes from the Father of lights" ({{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=James|chapter=1|verse=17|range=–21}}), and from the Gospel of John, Jesus announcing the Comforter in his Farewell Discourse ({{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=John|chapter=16|verse=5|range=–15}}).{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}

The identity of the person who was writing Bach's librettos during his first year in Leipzig is not known. The poet began by posing a question, a quotation from the gospel. The answer to the question is the theme of the cantata, which explores the direction in which life should go.{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}} The poet inserted as movement 3 the third stanza of Bartholomäus Ringwaldt's hymn "{{langr|de|Herr Jesu Christ, ich weiß gar wohl}}" (1582).{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}} As the closing chorale the first stanza of Ämilie Juliane von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt's "{{langr|de|Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende}}" (1688).{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}

Bach first performed the cantata on 7 May 1724.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}} There is no information about later performances by Bach.{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}

== Music == === Scoring and structure === Bach structured the cantata in six movements, scored for soprano (S), alto (A), tenor (T) and bass (B) soloists, a four-part choir SATB, and a Baroque instrumental ensemble of oboe (Ob), two violins (Vl), viola (Va) and basso continuo.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006}}

In the following table of the movements, the scoring follows the Neue Bach-Ausgabe. The keys and time signatures are taken from Alfred Dürrs's standard book ''The Cantatas of J. S. Bach'', using the symbol for common time (4/4).{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006}} He gives the duration as 17 minutes.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006}} The cantus firmus of movement 3 is typically sung by the soprano of the choir.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006}}

{{Classical movement header | show_text_source = yes | work = {{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}} | instruments1 = Winds | instruments2 = Strings}} {{Classical movement row | number = 1 | title = {{langr|de|Wo gehest du hin}} | text_source = Bible | type = Arioso | vocal = B | instruments1 = Ob | instruments2 = 2Vl Va | key = {{nowrap|B-flat major}} | time = 3/8 }} {{Classical movement row | number = 2 | title = {{langr|de|Ich will an den Himmel denken}} | text_source = anon. | type = Aria | vocal = T | instruments1 = Ob | instruments2 = Vl solo | key = G minor | time = {{music|common-time}} }} {{Classical movement row | number = 3 | title = {{langr|de|Ich bitte dich, Herr Jesu Christ}} | text_source = | type = Chorale | vocal = S | instruments1 = | instruments2 = 2Vl Va | key = C minor | time = {{music|common-time}} }} {{Classical movement row | number = 4 | title = {{langr|de|Gleichwie die Regenwasser bald verfließen}} | text_source = anon. | type = Recitative | vocal = B | instruments1 = | instruments2 = | key = | time = {{music|common-time}} }} {{Classical movement row | number = 5 | title = {{langr|de|Man nehme sich in acht}} | text_source = anon. | type = Aria | vocal = A | instruments1 = Ob | instruments2 = 2Vl Va | key = B-flat major | time = 3/4 }} {{Classical movement row | number = 6 | title = {{langr|de|Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende}} | text_source = | type = Chorale | vocal = SATB | instruments1 = Ob | instruments2 = 2Vl Va | key = G minor | time = {{music|common-time}} }} {{End}}

=== Movements === ==== 1 ==== The first movement, an arioso for the bass as the {{langr|la|voice of Christ}}, takes the text "{{langr|de|Wo gehest du hin?}}" from the gospel, part of "But now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?{{'}}". This simple question is one of the shortest lyrics for a movement in a Bach cantata. It is given it a broader meaning, as if Jesus asked each individual about the destination of life. Its form is between arioso and aria.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=316–317}} John Eliot Gardiner, who conducted the Bach Cantata Pilgrimage in 2000, noted that the movement, with shifting stresses in a triple metre, is "an understated yet deeply affecting prelude to the cantata".{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}}

==== 2 ==== In the second movement, an aria for tenor, "{{langr|de|Ich will an den Himmel denken}}", the answer to the broader question is given, in a serene meditation, according to Gardiner.{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}} Bach illustrated the contrast of "going" versus "staying" in the middle section by rising scales and long notes.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=316–317}}

==== 3 ==== The third movement is a hymn stanza, "{{langr|de|Ich bitte dich, Herr Jesu Christ}}", with the cantus firmus, the melody of "{{langr|de|Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut}}" sung unadorned by the soprano as a prayer for the right faith.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=317}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}} The melody is accompanied by the violins and viola in unison, for an impression "of great vigour and determination, urged on by steady continuo quavers",{{sfn|Leonard|2024}} described by Gardiner as "a strong collective and committed response". The music is a precursor of Christe eleison duet in the Mass in B minor.{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}}

==== 4 ==== In the fourth movement, a recitative for bass, the singer reflects "{{langr|de|Gleichwie die Regenwasser bald verfließen}}", warning to live alone for earthly pleasures.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=317}} The bass is now the "counsel of wisdom".{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}}

==== 5 ==== The fifth movement is an aria for alto, "{{langr|de|Man nehme sich in acht}}" that reinforces the thought.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=317}} The oboe reinforces the first violin.{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}} The musical illustration is mostly devoted to the word "{{langr|de|lacht}}" (laughs), although the text warns that a fall may come "{{langr|de|wenn das Glück lacht}}" (when fortune winks).{{sfn|Dellal|2024}} The laughter is pictured in "the various oscillating semi-quaver figures in the strings" and in melismas on the word "{{langr|de|lacht}}".{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=317}} The orchestra plays a minuet, interrupted by "frivolous cascades of paired semiquavers" supporting the melismas of the soloist. As Gardiner noted, the "giggling is infectious: voice, oboe and the complete string band at one point erupt in gales of unison laughter".{{sfn|Gardiner|2005}}

==== 6 ==== The cantata is concluded by a four-part setting of the first stanza of the hymn "{{langr|de|Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende}}", a prayer for support in the hour of death.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=317}} It is sung to the melody of "{{langr|de|Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten}}".{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006}}{{sfn|Dahn|2024}}

=== Manuscripts and publication === While the autograph score of {{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}} is lost, manuscripts of parts survived, handed down by C. P. E. Bach.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}

The cantata was published by the Bach-Gesellschaft in the Bach-Gesellschaft Ausgabe (BGA), the first attempt at a complete edition of Bach's works a century after the composer's death, in vol. 33 in 1887. It was edited by Franz Wüllner.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}

The New Bach Edition ({{lang|de|Neue Bach-Ausgabe}}, NBA) published the work in 1960, edited by Dürr, with critical commentary added the following year.{{sfn|Bach Digital|2024}}{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}} This edition tried to "complete" the tenor by a reconstruction, based on the assumption that a part had been lost. Carus-Verlag published a critical edition in German and English as part of its {{lang|de|Stuttgarter Bach-Ausgaben}} in 2014, edited by Ute Poetzsch.{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}} It restored the tenor aria to a three-part accompaniment.{{sfn|Poetzsch|2014}}

== Recordings == The Bach Cantatas Website lists 27 recordings of the cantata as of 2024, including:{{sfn|Oron|2023}}{{sfn|muziekweb|2024}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="margin-right: 0;" |- |+ Recordings of {{lang|de|Wo gehest du hin?}} |- ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Conductor / Choir / Orchestra ! scope="col" | Soloists ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | Year |- {{Cantata discography row | id = Rilling | title = ''Die Bach Kantate Vol. 32'' | conductor = {{sortname|Helmuth|Rilling}} | choir = Gächinger Kantorei | orchestra = Bach-Collegium Stuttgart | soloists = {{plainlist| * Helen Watts * Aldo Baldin * Wolfgang Schöne }} | label = Hänssler | year = {{Start date|1978}} }} {{Cantata discography row | id = Leonhardt | title = ''J. S. Bach: Das Kantatenwerk • Complete Cantatas • Les Cantates, Folge / Vol. 96'' | conductor = {{sortname|Gustav|Leonhardt}} | choir = {{ubl| Tölzer Knabenchor | Collegium Vocale Gent }} | orchestra = Leonhardt-Consort | soloists = {{plainlist| * soloist of the Tölzer Knabenchor * Paul Esswood * Kurt Equiluz * Max van Egmond }} | label = Teldec | year = {{Start date|1987}} }} {{Cantata discography row | id = Koopman | title = ''J. S. Bach: Complete Cantatas Vol. 9'' | conductor = {{sortname|Ton|Koopman}} | orchestra = Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir | soloists = {{plainlist| * Bernhard Landauer * Christoph Prégardien * Klaus Mertens }} | label = Antoine Marchand | year = {{Start date|1998}} }} {{Cantata discography row | id = Gardiner | title = ''Bach Cantatas Vol. 24: Altenburg/Warwick'' | conductor = {{sortname|John Eliot|Gardiner}} | choir = Monteverdi Choir | orchestra = English Baroque Soloists | soloists = {{plainlist| * Robin Tyson * James Gilchrist * Stephen Varcoe }} | label = Soli Deo Gloria | year = {{Start date|2000}} }} {{Cantata discography row | id = Suzuki | title = ''J. S. Bach: Cantatas Vol. 19 (Cantatas from Leipzig 1724)'' | conductor = {{sortname|Masaaki|Suzuki}} | orchestra = Bach Collegium Japan | soloists = {{plainlist| * Robin Blaze * Makoto Sakurada * Stephan MacLeod }} | label = BIS | year = {{Start date|2001}} }}

{{Cantata discography row | id = Lutz | title = ''J. S. Bach: Kantate BWV 166 "Wo gehest du hin?"'' | conductor = {{sortname|Rudolf|Lutz}} | choir = Chor der J. S. Bach-Stiftung | orchestra = Orchester der J. S. Bach-Stiftung | soloists = {{plainlist| * Terry Wey * Gerd Türk * Markus Volpert }} | label = Gallus Media | year = {{Start date|2008}} }} |}

== References == {{reflist|20em}}

=== Cited sources === * {{cite web | url = http://www.bach-digital.de/receive/BachDigitalWork_work_00000201?lang=en | title = Wo gehest du hin? BWV 166; BC A 71 | publisher = Bach Digital | date = 2024 | ref = {{sfnref|Bach Digital|2024}} }} * {{cite web | url = https://www.muziekweb.nl/en/Link/U00000617027/CLASSICAL/Cantata-for-soloists-3-choir-and-orchestra-BWV-166-%22Wo-gehest-du-hin-%22 | title = Cantata for soloists [3], choir and orchestra BWV.166, "Wo gehest du hin?" | website = muziekweb.nl | date = 2024 | access-date = 26 April 2024 | ref = {{sfnref|muziekweb|2024}} }} * {{cite web | last = Dahn | first = Luke | url = https://www.bach-chorales.com/BWV0166_6.htm | title = 166.6 | website = bach-chorales.com | date = 2024 | access-date = 26 April 2024 }} * {{cite web | last = Dellal | first = Pamela | author-link = Pamela Dellal | url = https://www.emmanuelmusic.org/bach-translations/bwv-166 | title = BWV 166 – Wo gehest du hin? | date = 2024 | publisher = Emmanuel Music | access-date = 26 April 2024 }} * {{cite book | last1 = Dürr | first1 = Alfred | author1-link = Alfred Dürr | last2 = Jones | first2 = Richard D. P. | author2-link = Richard D. P. Jones | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA315 | chapter = 1.27 Fourth Sunday after Easter (Cantate) | title = The Cantatas of J. S. Bach: With Their Librettos in German-English Parallel Text | location = Oxford | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 2006 | pages = 315–317 | isbn = 978-0-19-969628-4 }} * {{Cite AV media notes | last = Gardiner | first = John Eliot | author-link = John Eliot Gardiner | url = https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_SDG107 | title = Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) / Cantatas Nos Nos 12, 103, 108, 117, 146 & 166 | publisher = Soli Deo Gloria (at Hyperion Records website) | date = 2005 | access-date = 26 April 2024 }} * {{cite web | last = Leonard | first = James | url = https://www.allmusic.com/work/cantata-no-104-du-hirte-israel-hre-bwv-104-bc-a65-c86785/description | title = Cantata No. 166, "Wo gehest du hin?", BWV 166 | publisher = AllMusic | date = 2024 | access-date = 26 April 2024 }} * {{cite web | last = Oron | first = Aryeh | url = http://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV664.htm | title = Cantata BWV 166 Wo gehest du hin? | website = Bach Cantatas Website | date = 2023 | access-date = 27 April 2024 }} * {{cite book | last = Poetzsch | first = Ute | chapter-url = https://www.carusmedia.com/images-intern/medien//30/3116600/3116600x.pdf | chapter = Foreword | title = Wo gehest du hin / Oh, where do you go / BWV 166 | publisher = Carus-Verlag | date = April 2014 | page = 4 | access-date = 28 April 2024 }}

== External links == * {{IMSLP|work=Wo gehest du hin, BWV 166 (Bach, Johann Sebastian)|cname=''Wo gehest du hin?'', BWV 166}} * [https://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV166.htm "Cantata BWV 166 ''Wo gehest du hin?''"], history, scoring, sources for text and music, translations to various languages, discography, discussion on [https://www.bach-cantatas.com/ Bach-Cantatas.com]: ** {{cite web | url = https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/Chorale042-Eng3.htm | title = Herr Jesu Christ, ich weiß gar wohl / Text and Translation of Chorale | date = 2010 }} ** {{cite web | url = https://www.bach-cantatas.com/CM/Herr-Jesu-Christ-du-hochstes.htm | title = Chorale Melodies used in Bach's Vocal Works / Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut | date = 2009 }} ** {{cite web | url = https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/Chorale044-Eng3.htm | title = Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende? / Text and Translation of Chorale | date = 2006 }} ** {{cite web | url = https://www.bach-cantatas.com/CM/Wer-nur-den-lieben-Gott.htm | title = Chorale Melodies used in Bach's Vocal Works / Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten | date = 2009 }} * [https://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach/BWV166.html "BWV 166 ''Wo gehest du hin?''"], English translation, University of Vermont * [https://webdocs.cs.ualberta.ca/~wfb/cantatas/166.html "BWV 166 ''Wo gehest du hin?''"], text, scoring, University of Alberta * {{cite web | last = Mincham | first = Julian | url = https://www.jsbachcantatas.com/documents/chapter-53-bwv-166 | title = Chapter 53 BWV 166 Wo gehest du hin? | website = The Cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach | year = 2010 }}

Category:Church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach Category:1724 compositions