Opening Ritornel from Chorus, “Gott, der Herr, ist Sonn’ und Schild”, from Cantata 79, arr. for alto & bass recorders

from: J.S. Bach - Cantatas

The opening number in the cantata, originally for chorus and orchestra and in G major, as here. Contains two of the most remarkable themes one could ask for, which appear simultaneously, followed by another amazing one, which both players share. Title means, “God, the Lord, is sun and shield.” I dedicate this arrangement to the memory of Ted Flath, who conducted a bunch of us in a performance of this chorus for the Berkeley Bach Choir in Berkeley, CA, summer of ’74. Note that we also offer an arrangement for alto recorder and keyboard.