Struktur und Exegese. Über Eigentümlichkeiten in der Arie »Des Vaters Stimme ließ sich hören« (BWV 7/4)

This study deals with a characteristic of the tenor aria “Des Vaters Stimme ließ sich hören” (BWV 7/4). Why does Bach use two imitating violins? So far unconsidered exegetical and hymnological sources can give a plausible answer to that question. Based on a detailed observation of these sources, the study aims to encourage us to think again about the various hermeneutical approaches to Bach’s sacred vocal music and how Bach can be located in the field of tension between individuality and ‘Zeitgeist’.