Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn

Scoring: Soli STB, Coro SATB/SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cor, 2 Vl, Va, Bc

The chorale cantata Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn (O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger), which was probably written in 1771, makes use of a poem by Johann Georg Albinus on the 6th Psalm. The seven stanzas of the original are realized in seven separate movements.

The work’s composer, Johann Ernst Bach, received his musical training from his godfather, Johann Sebastian Bach. He later served in a dual capacity as public lawyer and organist in Eisenach, then from 1756 as Kapellmeister at the ducal court in Weimar.

The well-known hymn melody, which has also survived with the text “Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit”, can be heard in all movements. As a setting of a penitential psalm, the cantata is particularly suitable for performance during Lent and Holy Week.