– Sunday after Christmas – 1st January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 152 – ,Tritt auf die Glaubensbahn’ –

Jan 7, 2023

Because this new year, 2023, began on a Sunday and this date is taken by BWV 143, -New Year’s day, the circumcision-, I have decided to allot BWV 152, which is the subject of this posting, to today, 8th January, the second Sunday after Christmas, as there is, in...

– The Circumcision of Christ – New Year’s Day 1st January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 143 ,Lobe den Herrn. meine Seele’ –

Dec 31, 2022

This cantata leaves a trail of doubts in its wake, the combination, of a certain simplicity and lack of sparkle, -missed opportunities, perhaps?, the unique and rather unusual instrumental combination, strings + continuo with a large, robust bassoon part and 3 x horns...

– Christmas Tuesday – 27th December 2022 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 151 – ,Susser Trost, mein Jesus kommt’ –

Dec 26, 2022

Bach realises, as always, the stresses and strains, that musicians find themselves under, -and particularly at this Christmas time. In view of this, the forces here are small and chamber-like, – oboe d’amore, flute, strings and 4 part solo/chorus, and are...

– Christmas Monday – 26th December 2022 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 121 – ,Christum wir sollen loben schon’ –

Dec 25, 2022

An single oboe d’amore + strings and continuo, form the orchestra, along with 4 soloists and 4-part chorus. A usual cornetto and-three-trombones-choir, reinforce the vocal parts in the opening and closing numbers. 1/(chorus) ‘To Christ, we should sing this...

– Christmas Day – Sunday 25th December 2022 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 110 – ,Unser Mund sei voll Lachens’

Dec 24, 2022

This 3 x oboe orchestra, with d’amore and da caccia option, is joined by 2 x flutes and 3 x tromba + timps. The 4-part chorus is joined by ripieno soloists and the whole is supported by a bassoon strengthened continuo. 1/(chorus) ‘Let our mouths be full of...