Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden, BWV 88

The cantata is structured in two parts to be performed before and after the sermon, the first part in three solo movements, the second in three solo movements and a closing chorale. It is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano (S), alto (A), tenor (T) and bass (B)), a four-part choir SATB only in the chorale, two horns (Co), two oboes d'amore (Oa), taille (Ot), two violins (Vl), viola (Va), and basso continuo (Bc).[2] The duration is given as 22 minutes.[2] The autograph title page reads: "Domin. 5 post Trinit. / Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden, / a / 4 Voci / 2 Corni / 3 Hautb. d'Amour / 2 Viol. / Viola / e / Cont. / di / J.S.Bach."[4]

In the following table of the movements, the scoring follows the Neue Bach-Ausgabe.[5] The keys and time signatures are taken from Alfred Dürr, using the symbols for common time (4/4) and alla breve (2/2).[2] The instruments are shown separately for winds and strings, while the continuo, playing throughout, is not shown.

Movements of Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden – Part 1

No.	Title	Text	Type	Vocal	Winds	Strings	Key	Time
1	Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden Und darnach will ich viel Jäger aussenden	Jeremiah 16:16	Basso solo	B	2Oa Ot 2Co 2Oa Ot	2Vl Va	D major G major	6/8
2	Wie leichtlich könnte doch der Höchste uns entbehren	anon.	Recitative	T
3	Nein, Gott ist allezeit geflissen	anon.	Aria	T	2Oa	2Vl Va	E minor	3/8

Movements of Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden, BWV 88 – Part II

No.	Title	Text	Type	Vocal	Winds	Strings	Key	Time
4	Jesus sprach zu Simon: Fürchte dich nicht	anon.	Arioso	T B		2Vl Va	G major D major	3/4
5	Beruft Gott selbst, so muss der Segen	anon.	Duet aria	S A	2Oa	2Vl Va	A major
6	Was kann dich denn in deinem Wandel schrecken	anon.	Recitative	S
7	Sing, bet und geh auf Gottes Wegen	Neumark	Chorale	SATB	2Ob Ot	2Vl Va	B minor

The opening movement, "Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden" (Behold, I will send out many fishers),[1] is given to the bass solo, possibly because Jeremiah has God speak in the first person.[6] The music follows the text in two sections, as in a motet. Probably therefore Bach avoided the title aria and wrote basso solo instead.[2] Some cantatas on texts by Christiana Mariana von Ziegler from the second annual cycle begin in a similar way with a bible quotation, of Jesus saying "Ich bin ein guter Hirt" (I am a Good Shepherd, BWV 85), "Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe" (It is good for you that I leave, BWV 108), and Jesus saying "Bisher habt ihr nichts gebeten in meinem Namen" (Until now you have asked for nothing in My name, BWV 87).[6]

The two sections reflect two concepts mentioned in the text,Fischer (fishermen) and Jäger (hunters). The first section paints a seascape in undulating figuration of the strings with the oboes in 6/8 time on a pedal point. Bach "represents the movement of waves and water",[6] which is termed barcarolle by John Eliot Gardiner, the conductor of the Bach Cantata Pilgrimage in 2000.[7] The voice presents the text several times in varied declamation. Suddenly the scene changes to a hunting scene, horns join the orchestra, the tempo in common time is marked "allegro quasi presto". The voice is again set in expressive declamation, saying "And afterwards I will send out many hunters ...".[1][2]

The recitative "Wie leichtlich könnte doch der Höchste uns entbehren" (How easily could the Highest do without us),[1] ends on a question, "Does He ... abandon us to the deceit and trickery of the enemy?"[1]

The answer is given in the aria "Nein, Gott ist allezeit geflissen" (No, God is always concerned),[1] It begins immediately, without the usual ritornello, a passionate: "Nein, nein" (No, no). The middle section begins with a contrasting, but also passionate "Ja, ja" (Yes, yes). In the very end, the strings join the obbligato oboe d'amore and play a ritornello, reminiscent of a minuet. According to Alfred Dürr, the clear, even structure may symbolize the "rechte Bahn" ("right path"[1] or "true path"[2]) mentioned in the text.[2]

Movement 4 is a scene from the gospel, and forms the centre of the composition. The tenor as the Evangelist announces "Jesus sprach zu Simon:" (Jesus said to Simon).[1] The direct speech of Jesus, calling Peter as his disciple, is sung by the bass as the vox Christi (voice of Christ): "Fürchte dich nicht; den von nun an wirst du Menschen fahen" (Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men).[1] The careful phasing is set on a continuo quasi ostinato.[2]

A duet of soprano and alto, "Beruft Gott selbst, so muss der Segen" (If God Himself calls, then blessing)[1] reflects God's blessing

A recitative of the soprano, "Was kann dich denn in deinem Wandel schrecken" (What then can frighten you in your journey)[1] expresses the comsequence.

The closing chorale[8] confirms, "Sing, bet und geh auf Gottes Wegen" (Sing, pray and walk in God's ways).[1] It is a four-part setting.[7]