Evan Sanchez

10/20/19

J.S. Bach and his use of the Oboe to Portray Emotional Expression

Abstract
J.S. Bach is renowned as one of the true geniuses of the Baroque-era, he was a true innovator in his
usage of harmony. Bach’s emotional expression can be found not in the melodies of his music, but
rather the harmonic structure that supports the melody. In 1723, Bach was employed as kapellmeister in
Leipzig’s St. Thomas where he had access to some of the finest instrumentalists in Germany. His
brother, Johann Jacob Bach was an oboist, and Bach was inspired to write numerous cantatas, sonatas,
passions and concerti that featured the oboe prominently. Often some of his most heartfelt and painful
cantatas featured an oboe introduction and accompaniment, such as in his cantata Weinen, Klagen,
Sorgen, Zagen BWV 12. In this paper, I will research Bach’s use of the oboe in different cantatas and
passions and explore his methodology in assigning the oboe to these particular works. I will research
the connections between the harmonies, melodic lines, vocal lines, and text in connection with Bach’s
preference for the oboe.
 Bibliography

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Bach, J.S., Kantate Nr. 12 “Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen” BWV 12. Breikopf & Härtel, Wiesbaden, 1714

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