Notes on Notes: Bach’s Naked Aria Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben

Watch Ysmael Reyes’s explanation and listen to his excerpt from Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben here.

In the aria Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben (Out of love my Savior wants to die) from the St. Matthew Passion, Jesus has been arrested and is awaiting crucifixion. It’s very unusual because it’s the only aria with continuo—no keyboard or bass instrument. It’s just a soprano, flute, and two double reeds. Why would Bach make this choice?

In this moment, Jesus’s disciples have fled, and he’s anticipating hanging nearly naked on the cross where he will cry out “My god, why hast thou forsaken me?” All of his earthly and spiritual support has been stripped away.

Similarly, Bach strips away all the support the continuo provides—the aria literally feels “naked” to the ear. It’s a powerful device that is both daring and strikingly expressive, and another reason why the St. Matthew Passion remains one of his most inspired works.

— Ysmael Reyes, Colorado Bach Ensemble flautist

To learn more about Bach and experience his music, explore the Colorado Bach Ensemble’s upcoming events.  (Psst! The Cantata Insight series is free!)