- Date: September 05, 1733
- Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
- Period: Baroque (1600-1749)
Review
The secular work "Die Wahl des Herkules" (literally, Hercules' Choice) to a text by Picander was written for the birthday celebration of the Saxon Prince Friedrich Christian on September 5, 1733, as a "Glückwünschungskantate" (Best Wishes cantata). Like several of the secular cantatas (Nos. 206, 214, 207a, and 215), it is in the form of the operatic dramma per musica which sets a simple plot derived from mythology, and is scored for an ensemble rich in heroic and lyrical timbral possibilities: SATB chorus, two horns, two oboes, oboe d'amore, strings, and basso continuo (cembalo, string bass, and possibly bassoon).The piece opens with the choral movement "Lasst uns sorgen, lasst uns wachen" ("Let us worry, let us keep watch over our son of the gods"). The mood is joyful yet gentle and pastoral. Three of the choral parts glide effortlessly over a sustained tone in the basses which acts as a pedal point; this has an angelic effect, especially when all the other voices stop for a beat and the single tone is hanging in the air. The chorus promises that the throne of Hercules will become radiant and resplendent on earth, and that he will be a wonder.
A recitativo by Hercules, as a youth sung by an alto voice, asks where the correct path lies toward glory, virtue, and grandeur. He wishes to pursue reason, understanding, and light, and requests advice.
He is first answered by Voluptuousness in an aria for soprano, a slow, sensuous lullaby with an elaborate melody that urges Hercules to "sleep, my beloved, and cultivate rest, follow the attraction of burning thoughts...taste the pleasures of an inflamed heart and know no barriers."
In the following recitativo Voluptuousness further urges Hercules to follow her path ("The Graces have already strewn roses for you..."), but Virtue (tenor) interrupts: "Whither, Hercules? You want to discover the correct way. Virtue, effort, and diligence elevate a noble spirit."
Hercules (alto) next addresses the "faithful Echo of this place," and asks if he will be led astray by flattering words. Echoes occur between the voice and the instruments and then in a charming exchange Echo (another alto) declares "No!" and then Hercules, so to speak, echoes the echo. To another inquiry Echo responds "Yes!" and the two again exchange imitations. The moderately fast major-key music is questioning but not overly agitato.
In the next recitativo, Virtue declares Hercules her confident hero and "my true son," and vows, in the flowing and energetic minor-key aria, that he will soar on her wings and be raised to the stars like an eagle.
In a further recitativo, aria, and duetto Hercules declares devotion to virtue.
Mercury (bass) makes the connection between Hercules and Prince Friedrich's youth and a concluding coro exclaims the "joy of the people, the joy of thine, flourish, charming Friedrich!" The basses alone deliver some advice: "Your merit and your virtue have already given brilliance, and the time has come for them to manifest, quickly, my child, we wait for you." ~ "Blue" Gene Tyranny, All Music Guide
Albums with Complete Performances of the Work
Albums with Excerpt Performances of the Work
| Title | Date |
| Andreas Scholl: The Voice | |
| Bach: Cantatas BWV 213 & 214 | 2001 |
