Composed for the ninth Sunday after Trinity, which fell on July 29, 1725, Bach's Cantata No. 168 "Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort" (An Accounting! Word of Thunder) (BWV 168) sets a text by Salomon Franck from 1715 based on the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1—13). The cantata is scored for bass, tenor, soprano, and alto soloists and chorus, a pair of oboe d'amore, strings, and basso continuo. Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort is a relatively brief cantata in six movements. The first movement is a brilliant gigue-like aria for bass soloist, propulsive strings, and continuo. The second is a grim recitative for tenor soloist, oboe d'amore, and continuo. The third is a triple-time aria in the form of a trio sonata for impassioned tenor soloist, solo oboe d'amore, and continuo. The fourth is dramatic secco recitative for forceful bass soloist and continuo. The fifth is a supple but strong duet aria for soprano and alto soloists over a passacaglia bass line in the continuo. Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort concludes with an austere chorale harmonization for chorus and full orchestra colla parte.

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