This cantata comes down to us in two versions. The1715 first performance, in Weimar, was revived in Leipzig, 1723, for which Bach made some small changes, mainly concerning the pitch and the instrumentation. It may seem right and proper to use the 1723 version, as the...
Bach: The Cantatas
2023 Cantatas
– The Nativity of St John the Baptist – Saturday 24th June 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 167 – ,Ihr Menschen, ruhmet Gottes Liebe’ –
This 5-movement cantata features, an oboe orchestra, -with a da caccia option during the 3rd movement aria and the addition of a clarion, -slide trumpet, (or 'natural' trumpet?), to reinforce the chorale melody during the last chorale movement, in fact the only...
– First Sunday after Trinity – J.S.Bach – cantata BWV 75 – ,Die Elenden sollen essen’ –
This is Bach's very first Leipzig cantata and for this occasion, he presents himself, at his very best. In the hierarchy of Bach masterpieces, this particular one registers as supreme. A seemingly long cantata, with considerable dimensions, -14 movements and...
– Trinity Sunday – 4th June 2023 – J.S.Bach – cantata BWV 176 – ‘Es ist ein trotzig und verzagt Ding’ –
An oboe orchestra, + da caccia option, with four-part choir/soloists and continuo, this 6 movement setting contains no tenor solo, although there are two for alto voice. The mention of Nicodemus, brings up the pithy philosophical subject of a contrast, that between...
– Whit Monday – 29th May 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 174 -‘Ich liebe den Hochsten von ganzem Gemute’ –
An overbalanced cantata, in the sense that the enormous first movement, -complete with 2 x horns, which never reappear and a concertante/ripieno arrangement of the strings and wind, + chorus and continuo, as usual, completely dominates the feel, texture and...
– Whitsunday- 28th May 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 74 – ‘Wer mich Liebet, der wird mein Wort halten’ –
This Whitsunday cantata is of 8 movements, featuring a festive orchestra, 3 x trumpets + timpani, a trio of oboes, including 1 x oboe da caccia, strings, 4-part chorus and soloists, with continue accompaniment. Strong similarities, with BWV 59, movements 1 and 4....
– Ascension Day – Thursday 18th May 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV43 – ,Gott fahret auf mit Jauchen’ –
This 2-part cantata, is long and substantial, with, eleven movements. An uncomplicated 'festive' orchestra is required, 3 x trumpets + timps, 2 x oboes, strings, a 4-part choir/soloists and continuo. 1/(chorus) 'God is gone up with a shout, The Lord with the sound of...
– Third Sunday after Easter – 30th April 2023 – Jubilate Sunday – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 146 – ,Wir mussen durch viel Trubsal in das Reich Gottes eingehen’ –
This cantata is only available in manuscript copies, which have, in past times, given scholars food for thought, as regards its authenticity. The oboe d'amore orchestra, +additional taille, with 4-part chorus/soloists and continuo, is supplemented by a lone flute and...
– Second Sunday after Easter – 23rd April 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 112 – ,Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt’ –
This 5 movement, 1731 cantata, - string orchestra with chorus/soloists, + 2 x oboe d'amore, with 2 x horns, - sets the full text of Ps 23, in 5 movements. 1/(chorus) 'The Lord is my faithful shepherd. He keeps me in His care, where I shall want for nothing that is...
– Quinquagesima – Sunday 19th February – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 159 – ,Sehet, wir gehn hinauf gen Jerusalem’ –
This cantata employs a simple orchestration, strings + continuo with a 4-part chorus and soloists, although there is no soprano aria or recit. One single oboe is added in the 4th movement aria. 1/Arioso e Recitativo: Jesus: 'Behold! Soul: Come and see my heart and...