Johann Sebastian Bach

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BWV 188
Title I have now all my confidence
Composed 17th October 1728, Leipzig
Scoring

Choir for 4 voices
Soprano solo
Alto solo
Tenor solo
Bass solo

Oboe I + II
Taille
Violin I + II
Viola
Organ obligata
Basso continuo

Movements Sinfonia
Aria (Tenor): I have now all my confidence
Recitative (Bass): God meaneth well for ev'ryone
Aria (Alto): Not to fathom is the manner
Recitative (Soprano): The world's great might shall disappear
Chorale: In my beloved God
Category Spiritual Cantata
Event Twentyfirst Sunday after Trinity
Author of text Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander) 1728
Text
Sinfonia:
Oboe I + II
Taille
Violin I + II
Viola
Organ concertante
Basso continuo



Aria: Tenor solo
Oboe
Violin I + II
Viola

Basso continuo



Recitative: Bass solo
Basso continuo

















Aria: Alta solo
Violoncello
Organ obligato




Recitative: Soprano solo
Violin I + II
Viola
Basso continuo


Chorale: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
(Instruments unknown)










I have now all my confidence
To the faithful God assigned
Where rests my expectation firmly.
When all shall break, when all shall fail,
When no one faith and word shall keep,
E'en so is God surpassing gracious.

God meaneth well for ev'ryone,
E'en midst the very worst of trouble.
Though he awhile his love concealeth,
His heart for us in secret cares,
This can he nevermore withdraw;
And even if the Lord would slay me,
My hope shall rest in him,
Because his angered countenance
Is nothing but
A cloud which casts a shadow;
It only holds the sunlight back,
So that with help of gentle showers
The heav'nly blessing
Then that much richer might become.
The Lord transforms himself into a wrathful God
To make his comfort seem that stronger;
He would, he could not wish us evil.
I'll not let him go, until he me bless. (1.)

Not to fathom is the manner
In which God his people leads.
Even our own cross and pain
Must to our advantage be
And to bring his name great honor.

The world's great might shall disappear.
Who can depend on rank and honor?
But God abideth evermore;
Blest all those who in him are trusting!

In my beloved God
I trust in fear and need;
He can me e'er deliver
From sadness, fear and trouble.
My sorrow can he alter,
For all rests in his hands now.

Epistle

Ephesians 6: 10-17

Gospel

John 4: 46-54

Bibletext 1. Genesis 32:36
Manuscript Music library, Leipzig; University library, Warzawa

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