Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben, BWV 248 VI
| Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben | |
|---|---|
| Part VI of Christmas Oratorio | |
| Christmas cantata by J. S. Bach | |
| Catalogue | BWV 248 VI |
| Text |
|
| Performed | 6 January 1735: Leipzig |
| Movements | 9 |
| Vocal | SATB choir and soloists |
| Instrumental |
|
Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben (Lord, when our insolent enemies snort), BWV 248VI (also written as BWV 248 VI), is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach, composed for Epiphany as the sixth part of his Christmas Oratorio for the Christmas season of 1734–35 in Leipzig. The cantata was first performed in two major churches there on 6 January 1735.
The topic of Part VI follows the Gospel of Matthew, telling of the Adoration of the Magi. Bach scored it for a festive orchestra, with all instruments from Part I except the flutes. Its exceptional closing chorale, with the voices embedded in an orchestral concerto dominated by the first trumpet, closes not only the cantata but also the oratorio.