Often performed today at weddings, Bach's 'Sheep may safely graze' is one of the great German composer's best loved arias. But what is it all about? Here is our quick guide to this rather lovely celebration of ovine security… Show
Where does 'Sheep may safely graze' originally come from?It is a soprano aria that appears in Bach's secular cantata Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd! or, as it is usually referred to, the Hunting Cantata. The aria is sung by the character Pales, a goddess of crops, pastures and livestock. What is the aria, Sheep may safely graze, all about?The words say that 'Sheep may safely graze where a caring shepherd guards them. Where a regent reigns well, we may have security and peace and things that let a country prosper'. You probably get the picture here. Flattering royalty never did a composer any harm, as Bach well knew… And whom was he flattering?Duke Christian of Sachsen-Weissenfels, a man of big ambition and, by all accounts, an ego to match. He was a passionate hunstman, and Bach and his librettist Salomo Franck wrote the Hunting Cantata probably to mark his birthday on 23 February 1713. What happens in the rest of the cantata?In terms of plot, not a great deal. Much of it involves an extended celebration of the joys of hunting and the glories of the countryside in general. As well as Pales, other characters to join in this homage to all things pastoral include the goddess Diana and god Pan. How is the aria scored?Originally, the soprano soloist is accompanied by the distinctive sound of a pair of recorders and continuo. At most church weddings, however, the organist has to make do with a well-chosen stop for the former. Where can we hear the aria Sheep may safely graze?See below…
Lyrics for Sheep May Safely Graze by Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sheep may safely graze and pasture In a watchful shepherd′s sight. Those who rule, with wisdom guiding, Bring to hearts a peace abiding, Bless a land with joy made bright. Writer(s): Johann Bach, Danny Wright No translations available +Add Translation Hymn LyricsPLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation. Sheep May Safely Graze Words: Original German text by Salomo Franck Music: Sheep May Safely Graze | Johann Sebastian Bach Sheep may safely graze and pasture in a watchful Shepherd’s sight. "Sheep may safely graze" (German: Schafe können sicher weiden) is a soprano aria by Johann Sebastian Bach to words by Salomon Franck. The piece was written in 1713 and is part of the cantata Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV 208 (Only the lively hunt pleases me), also known as the Hunting Cantata. Like the Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Sheep may safely graze" is frequently played at weddings.[1] However, the cantata BWV 208 was originally written for a birthday celebration of Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels. Bach was based at the nearby court of Weimar, and musicians from both courts appear to have joined in the first performance in Weißenfels. Bach is known to have used the music again for other celebrations, but it remained unpublished until after his death. Instrumentation[edit]For this number (movement 9 of the complete work), the singer is not accompanied by the full Baroque instrumental 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[edit]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.[2][3] 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.[4] If not performed within the cantata, the recitative is omitted.
Schafe können sicher weiden Wo Regenten wohl regieren Sheep may safely graze and pasture Those who rule with wisdom guiding Recordings[edit]The work has been often recorded. It can be found in:
Arrangements[edit] Keyboard[edit]Piano[edit]"Sheep may safely graze" was arranged for piano by the American composer Mary Howe.[6] Another notable piano transcription was made by Dutch pianist Egon Petri, published in 1944.[7] Sometimes the piece is played as a duet (piano-four-hands); there are versions by Duo Petrof,[8] and Lang Lang and Gina Redlinger [de] (released as a bonus track with Lang Lang's recording of the Goldberg Variations). Moog synthesiser[edit]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[edit]Australian-born composer Percy Grainger wrote "Blithe Bells" for elastic scoring in 1931 on Bach's "Sheep may safely graze".[9][10] In March 1931, he scored a wind band version.[11] The piece was arranged for string orchestra by British composer Granville Bantock.[12] There is also an orchestral arrangement by British composer Sir William Walton, part of the ballet score The Wise Virgins. References[edit]
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Is Sheep May Safely Graze religious?Like the Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", "Sheep may safely graze" is frequently played at weddings. However, the cantata BWV 208 was originally written for a birthday celebration of Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels.
Who wrote Where Sheep May Safely Graze?Originally written as an aria for soprano, the familiar tune known as “Sheep May Safely Graze” (Schafe können sicher weiden) by Johann Sebastian Bach first appeared as part of a secular cantata, Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (What comforts me is only the spirited hunt), BWV 208.
In what key is Sheep May Safely Graze?B-flat majorSheep may safely graze / Keynull
Where Sheep shall safely graze?What is the aria, Sheep may safely graze, all about? The words say that 'Sheep may safely graze where a caring shepherd guards them. Where a regent reigns well, we may have security and peace and things that let a country prosper'.
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Lyrics to sheep may safely graze
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