Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe (I stand with one foot in the grave), BWV 156,[a] is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it in Leipzig for the third Sunday after Epiphany and first performed it in 1727 or 1729.[1] The cantata is well known for its opening sinfonia for orchestra and oboe solo.
The opening sinfonia is scored for oboe, strings, and continuo. It is in F major and common time.[3] Compared to the later version for harpsichord, the melody is straightforward and unembellished, and is harmonically conceived to prepare the second movement.[5]
The second movement is a combined tenor aria and soprano chorale with obbligato strings. Unusually, it begins with a syncopated continuo line under unison strings.[3][6] The movement also features sequences and harmonic contrasts.[5]
Both bass recitatives are secco and in minor mode.[3] The first, the third movement of the cantata, is characterized by a disjunct melodic line and a concluding arioso line. The second, the fifth movement, is comparatively "lighter in mood and spirit".[5] It anticipates the melody of the final chorale setting.[7]
The alto aria is accompanied by oboe and violin in parallel thirds and sixths. The movement includes several instances of word painting.[3] Formally, the movement is an altered da capo aria.[5] It has a "generally sunny affect ... only momentarily disturbed by more charged harmonies".[6]
The final movement is a four-part setting of the chorale in C major.[3] The phrase lengths are varied to provide a "hint of timelessness".[5]
Recordings
American Bach Soloists, Jeffrey Thomas. J. S. Bach: Cantatas Volume II. Koch International Classics, 1992.
