Sheep may safely graze

Instrumentation#

Bach had a Baroque instrumental ensemble at his disposal including two horns, an instrument associated with the hunt. For this number (movement 9 of the complete work), the singer is not accompanied by the full ensemble used elsewhere in the cantata, but by two recorders and continuo. The use of flute-like instruments is typical of pastoral music. Since the revival of Bach’s music in the 19th century, “Sheep may safely graze” has been arranged for other instruments.

Text#

The piece’s title evokes a pastoral scene and has been referenced in discussions of how European culture depicts domestic animals and sheep in particular. In the cantata, the recitative and aria are sung by the role of the ancient Roman god of shepherds, flocks, and livestock, Pales. Pales compares the peaceful life of sheep under a watchful shepherd to the inhabitants of a state with a wise ruler. When not performed within the cantata, the recitative is typically omitted. Schafe können sicher weiden Wo ein guter Hirte wacht. Wo Regenten wohl regieren Kann man Ruh’ und Friede spüren Und was Länder glücklich macht. Sheep can safely graze where a good shepherd watches over them. Where rulers are ruling well, we may feel peace and rest and what makes countries happy.

Recordings#

The work has often been recorded. It can be found in: * recordings of the complete cantata, for example: ** Bach: Secular Cantatas Vol. 2 (Hunting Cantata plus Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht). Bach Collegium Japan, Joanne Lunn (soprano), Masaaki Suzuki (conductor). * compilation albums, for example albums featuring the following soloists: ** Emma Kirkby (soprano), (Emma Kirkby Collection) ** Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano), (J. S. Bach: Arias with Musica Florea) ** Danielle de Niese (soprano), (Beauty of Baroque with the English Concert) ** Nuria Rial (soprano), (Bach Arias with the Kammerorchester Basel directed by Julia Schröder).

Arrangements#

: \relative c \set Staff.midiInstrument = #“flute” \tempo 4 = 60 \clef “treble” \time 4/4 \key bes \major f8 f16( d) f8 f16( d) f8( g) g( bes) es,8 es16( c) es8 es16( c) es8( a) a( c) bes8~ bes32( c d16) bes( d) c( f,) bes8~ bes32\p( c d16) bes( d) c( f,) bes8 d32\f( es f16) d( bes) c( a) bes8 d32\p( es f16) d( bes) c( a) bes4 r r2 : \relative c \set Staff.midiInstrument = #“piano” \tempo 4 = 60 \clef “treble” \time 4/4 \key bes \major bes4 d8( c) c4. d8 es4 g8( f) d4\trill c8( bes) d( bes) a( g) c4. d8 a4 g8( f) f2

Piano#

“Sheep may safely graze” was arranged for piano by the American composer Mary Howe. Another notable piano transcription was made by Dutch pianist Egon Petri, published in 1944. Sometimes the piece is played as a duet (piano-four-hands); there are versions by Duo Petrof, and Lang Lang and (released as a bonus track with Lang Lang’s recording of the Goldberg Variations).

Moog synthesiser#

American composer and electronic musician Wendy Carlos arranged and recorded “Sheep may safely graze” on a Moog synthesizer for her 1973 album Switched-On Bach II.

Band and orchestra#

Australian-born composer Percy Grainger wrote “Blithe Bells” for elastic scoring in 1931 on Bach’s “Sheep may safely graze”. In March 1931, he scored a wind band version. The piece was arranged for string orchestra by British composer Granville Bantock. There is also an orchestral arrangement by British composer Sir William Walton, part of the ballet score The Wise Virgins.

External links#

• *, Kirsten Flagstad