J. S. Bach - Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, BWV 691 (Transcribed for 4 Cellos)
Bach’s Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten, BWV 691, is based on the chorale melody by Georg Neumark. This three-voice setting appears in both the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach and the Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, reflecting its place in Bach’s devotional and pedagogical world.
The first stanza of the chorale may be translated: “Whoever lets the great God govern and hopes in Him at all times, He will wonderfully sustain them in every distress and sorrow. Whoever trusts in God, the Most High, has not built on sand.”
This transcription for four cellos preserves Bach’s original voice leading. The chorale melody is doubled at the octave in Cellos 1 and 2, while Cellos 3 and 4 carry the inner voice and bass line. The arrangement is part of the Homage to Gaspar Cassadó project and is suitable for cello ensembles, church services, studio classes, and devotional or recital settings.
ASTA level: 2-4