Du Hirte Israel, höre (BWV 104): bass aria
Just after Good Shepherd Sunday, we settle in to this comforting pastorale. Not the famous opening movement -- no, this is another beautiful sicilienne-type dance, a bass aria, in which Bach gives a masterclass on melodic writing in just 5 seconds of music. Melodic shape, sequence, pedal point, and effective parallel motion in triads -- these are all showcased in the first few measures. Then, Alex points out his favorite moment, in the B section of the aria: a long note sung by the bass soloist. Du Hirte Israel, höre performed by the Netherlands Bach Society (this link takes you straight to the bass aria "Beglückte Herde"