Bist du bei mir

"Bist du bei mir" is a beautiful aria often attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, but there is a nice twist to the story. This beautiful piece is part of the Notenbüchlein für Anna Magdalena Bach, a collection Bach created for his second wife, Anna Magdalena. However, the music for "Bist du bei mir" was actually composed by Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, a contemporary of Bach. Bach put his own spin on the composition.

The lyrics of the aria are moving and romantic, expressing a sense of unwavering love: "When you are with me, I go with joy to death and to my rest." The composition is simple but deeply expressive, making it a piece often played at weddings.

Bist du bei mir, geh' ich mit Freuden
zum Sterben und zu meiner Ruh'.
Ach, wie vergnügt wär' so mein Ende,
es drückten deine lieben schönen Hände
mir die getreuen Augen zu!

"Bist du bei mir" is beloved for its gentle melody and heartfelt emotions that appeal to singers and listeners alike. Although not an original Bach piece, its association with the legendary composer and its timeless beauty have given the piece a place in the hearts of many music lovers.