The instrumentation reflects the festive occasion for which it was written: four soloists,
soprano,
alto,
tenor and
basso, a
four-part choir, three
trumpets,
timpani, two
oboes d'amore, two
violins,
viola, and
basso continuo. The cantata is in six movements: • Alto solo: • Chorus: • Recitative (bass): • Aria (soprano): • Recitative (tenor): • Chorale: The first movement is based on
Psalm 65:2. It is unusual for Bach to open a festive cantata with a solo voice, but the words "" (out of silence) may have prompted him to write it for alto and two
oboe d'amore. The first part of the jubilant second movement, a chorus dominated by the full orchestra, was adapted for the
Mass in B minor. The soprano aria with solo violin is probably based on an earlier work from Bach's time in
Köthen that served as a model also for a movement of a violin sonata
BWV 1019a. The tenor recitative is accompanied by strings to underline its character as a prayer for justice and future blessings. The words for the final chorale are taken from the German , "", by
Martin Luther. == Recordings ==