Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe, BWV 156

Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe (I stand with one foot in the grave), BWV 156,[a] is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach.

He incorporated two chorale tunes: "Machs mit mir, Gott, nach deiner Güt" by Johann Hermann Schein (1628) and "Herr, wie du willt, so schicks mit mir" by Kaspar Bienemann (1582).

The work is scored for three vocal soloists (alto, tenor, and bass), four-part choir, oboe, two violins, viola, and basso continuo.

[3] Compared to the later version for harpsichord, the melody is straightforward and unembellished, and is harmonically conceived to prepare the second movement.

[7] The alto aria is accompanied by oboe and violin in parallel thirds and sixths.