as applied to the Lectionary in the
Book of Common Prayer and the Revised Common Lectionary

Introduction

We are fortunate to live in a time when music has less territoriality than it once did. The music of Johann Sebastian Bach, played far away from its eighteenth century German Lutheran roots, strikes us as no more odd than hearing Dixieland jazz far from New Orleans. This music has a universal quality to it that not only enhances, but necessitates its ability to communicate across cultural boundaries.

The purpose of this reference guide, therefore, is to facilitate the performance of Bach’s music, specifically his church cantatas, and to encourage musicians working within a liturgical context to have easier access to appropriate works for any given Sunday. In Bach’s day, there was a one-year lectionary; today, of course, there is a three-year lectionary. Most of Bach’s church cantatas fit into our modern lectionary, although there were certain lessons in the old lectionary which have no correlation with our modern lectionary. In such instances, the cantatas are not detailed in this reference guide (BWV 2, 14, 18, 22, 23, 44, 46, 54, 72, 73, 80a, 81, 87, 98, 101, 102, 103, 107, 109, 111, 126, 127, 156, 159, 174, 181, 183, 186, 187, & 188). There is no question that the world needs to hear this music. Bach was a vessel through which the world has been given a unique glimpse of eternity and paradise.

An Historical Context

There is no certainty as to the number of cantatas that Bach wrote, although there are approximately 200 sacred cantatas extant. He began writing cantatas at age 22, while working in Mühlhausen (1707-1708); he wrote at least 25 of them in Weimar (1708-1717), at least six of them in Köthen (1717-1723), the bulk of them during his first four years in Leipzig (1723-1727), and the remainder during his final years there (until 1750). The cantata was designed for the principle worship service of the day. It was positioned in the service after the gospel reading, and was normally a commentary on the gospel. Many of Bach’s cantatas are in two parts and are marked with the simple instructions “Before and after the sermon.” This is misleading to modern literalists, as “after the sermon” actually would have meant during communion. (In the case of the wedding cantatas, Part I would have been sung before the ceremony, and Part II after the ceremony.)

We know from Bach’s letters precisely the size of orchestra that he desired (2 or 3 first violins, 2 or 3 second violins, 2 first violas, 2 second violas, 2 ’celli, 1 violone, 2 or 3 oboes, 1 or 2 bassoons, 3 trumpets, and 1timpani) as well as the size of choir he desired (3 sopranos, 3 altos, 3 tenors, and 3 basses); but we also know that all the players that Bach needed were not always available. Bach was imminently practical, however, frequently substituting parts among the various players, or playing a part himself, at the keyboard or on the violin. The same should be true for us today. Instrumentalists usually love performing the complex music of Bach, but not every community is blessed with enough competent instrumentalists to carry the music off. Church musicians today need to show flexibility and creativity to bring this music alive where there may be insufficient forces.

About the Instruments

Each year, more and more musicians are gaining the ability to perform on period instruments. Few would question that this has become the ideal for performance of older music, as it brings sounds to life that are lost on modern instruments. Nevertheless, there are many places where making music on period instruments is an impracticality. It then becomes necessary to understand a few things about the nature of the instruments listed in this guide, as it will influence the interpretation of a performance on modern instruments. As modern instruments have become more powerful to fill larger concert halls, it has become more difficult to balance a single, moderately trained singer with a single instrument. Caution must be exercised.

Strings
Violins have changed very little since the baroque period, with the exception of the type of strings used and the shape of the bow. The strings on a violin, at the time of Bach, were made of gut, strung more loosely then modern strings, and had a different harmonic series when played, as a result. The old bow was shaped in a way that caused a natural diminuendo as the bow was drawn across the string. These have obvious ramifications in how we interpret string playing from the 18th century. Bach frequently calls for a violino piccolo which is similar to a modern 3/4-size violin; it is tuned a perfect fourth above the standard violin. The viola pomposa, ostensibly invented by Bach, was held on the arm (not under the chin), had five strings, and was tuned c-g-d’-a’-e’’. The violoncello piccolo is tuned like a ’cello but is between 36 and 38 inches long. The viol da gamba is a six-stringed instrument with a slightly larger range than the ’cello. (It’s bottom string plays an A, a minor third lower than the ’cello.) Certainly some of Bach’s gamba writing can be played on the ’cello, although not all.

Winds
With the winds, we find much greater contrast between the baroque period and the late twentieth century. The baroque oboe has more fundamental timbre than modern oboes. The oboe da caccia is an alto oboe in F, similar in range to the English horn; it’s large bell is intentionally reminiscent of hunting horns, and this can be heard in its timbre. The oboe d’amore is a mezzo-soprano instrument, pitched a minor third lower than baroque oboe. It’s name probably refers to its sound being “sweeter” than the regular oboes of the day. The transverse flute of the baroque is softer than a modern flute; and because it is made of wood, has a gentle, breathy, ethereal tone. The recorder or blockflöte has mostly a fundamental tone with very few upper harmonics.

Both the horn and the trumpet of the baroque are equipped with several different length crooks or necks to change the fundamental pitch of the instrument. For this reason, cantatas are marked “trumpets in D” or “trumpets in C” etc. The modern piccolo trumpet, frequently used in baroque performances as a substitute for the unwieldy natural trumpet, is easily twice as loud and twice as bright as its ancestor. The modern french horn has not changed in significant ways from the natural horn, although it is slightly brighter and louder today than in Bach’s day. The trombone of Bach’s day is smaller than, and consequently not as bright as the modern trombone. Because of the mellow sound of the trombone, it was frequently used to double a bass choral part (and in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, would have been played by the assistant organist). The cornetto (or zink), not to be confused with a modern cornet, is a small instrument with a tone similar to a flugelhorn, but again, softer. Bach sometimes used this instrument to double the chorale melody in a choral fantasy movement. The timpani were also smaller, with less fundamental tone than modern timpani.

Continuo
All of Bach’s cantatas employ a continuo section throughout, and in fact, good continuo playing can make or break a performance of a Bach work. Bach’s continuo group would have varied in size, to balance the rest of the orchestra and choir; but it would have always contained ’cello and organ. More than likely, it would have had a violone (similar to a double bass) which can play at either 8' or 16' pitch. The harpsichord was standard equipment in Bach’s organ lofts (not merely relegated to secular chamber music) and was frequently played along with the organ. The lute was used whenever possible making a beautiful contribution to the timbre of the ensemble. And lastly, the bassoon (with a slightly more fundamental timbre than its modern counterpart) was often used as well. There is no clear indication of how many of these players to use on many of the cantatas. For Bach, it was probably a result of the desired affect of a given work, balanced with whichever players were available on a given Sunday. For us, it should be a matter of personal discretion.

Leadership
Conductors, as we think of them today, did not exist at the time of Bach. Generally, it was the job of one of the keyboard players or the first violinist (either of which might have been Bach himself) to lead the ensemble. We also know that Bach would occasionally roll up a piece of paper and conduct with it. He probably played the obligato parts found in the arias himself and conducted the ensemble for the larger choral movements.

Using this Reference Guide

I have listed the instrumentation required of each cantata so that one might have a notion of what forces might be necessary to execute the work. The breakdown of vocal solos for each movement is also listed for the same reason. It is safe to assume that any instrument listed as an obligato instrument will have a demanding solo to perform. All secco recitatives (that is, recitatives in which the continuo merely plays short, “dry” chords) are marked “recit.” Recitatives that are accompanied by strings and/or winds are marked “accomp” (accompagnato). The letters “b.c.” are used to refer to the basso continuo and can be interpreted with as many players as desired (see above). When a given movement is marked “b.c. only,” the keyboard player(s) and/or the lute player(s) were expected to realize a suitable accompaniment from the figured bass (although many modern editions are printed with these realizations already actualized). If organ is listed in the instrumentation, then there is a solo part for the organ. If bassoon is listed in the instrumentation, there is a separate bassoon part (aside from the continuo part). When a cantata closes with a chorale, it is generally the chorale on which the cantata is based (unless a different tune is listed). Many of these chorales can be found in modern hymnals, and are listed with the appropriate reference (“1982” refers to The Hymnal 1982, and “LBW” refers to The Lutheran Book of Worship). Solo cantatas were sung with one voice per part.

The text listed is the text on which the cantata is based and usually refers to the lesson for the day. However, a few church cantatas are not based on scripture, but on poetry (Picander, Franck, or Bach himself). For those cases, there is no listing of text.

Bringing the Music to Life Today

One of the great advantages and responsibilities of being a church musician is bringing great sacred music to life in a liturgical context. Anyone can hear a cantata (or a mass, or a requiem, etc.) on recording or in a concert hall. But the music was not intended for that purpose; and regardless of how beautiful (or correct) the performance, in secular contexts, this music can not communicate sacred truth as effectively. It is our privilege and responsibility to keep this music alive within the worshiping community. It is hoped that you will find creative ways to make this music part of a regular liturgy, and that the congregation will be given an opportunity to feel involved in the whole endeavor (perhaps by singing the final chorale).

Year A

First Sunday of Advent

Cantata 36: Schwingt freudig euch empor
(Raise yourselves joyfully on high)
Scoring: 2 oboes d'amore (in unison), strings, b.c.
Approx. 31 minutes
First performance: first Sunday in Advent, 1730
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Soprano/alto duet (oboe obligato)
mov. 3: Tenor aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 4: Chorale (Tune: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern)
Part II:
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Tenor chorale (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 7: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 8: Chorale (Tune: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland)
HYMNS 54 & 497 (1982)
HYMNS 28 & 73 (LBW)

Cantata 61: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
(Come, Savior of the heathen)
Scoring: strings, organ, bassoon, b.c.
Texts: Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 21:1-9
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 28 November 1723
mov. 1: French overture: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (unison strings)
mov. 4: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (b.c. only)
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern)
HYMN 54 (1982)
HYMN 28 (LBW)

Cantata 62: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 3 December 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet recit
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 54 (1982)
HYMN 28 (LBW)

Third Sunday of Advent

Cantata 186a: Ärg're dich, o Seele, nicht
(Do not be troubled, O soul)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 11:3-10
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: third Sunday of Advent, 1716
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass aria (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Tenor aria (oboe + violins in unison)
mov. 4: Soprano aria (violins obligato)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Von Gott will ich nicht lassen)
HYMN 468 (LBW)

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Years A & B)

Cantata 1: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
(How beautifully shines the morningstar)
Scoring: 2 horns in F, 2 oboes da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: Isaiah 7:10-15, Luke 1:26-38
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 25 March 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (oboe da caccia obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 497 (1982)
HYMN 73 (LBW)

Christmas Day

Cantata 63: Christen, ätzet diesen Tag
(Christians, be mindful of this glad day)
Scoring: 4 trumpets, timpani, 3 oboes, strings, organ, bassoon, b.c.
Approx. 27 min.
First performance: 25 December 1723
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Soprano/bass duet (oboe or organ obligato)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Alto/tenor duet
mov. 6: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 7: Chorus

Cantata 248i: Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage
(Rejoice, exult! glorify the days)
Christmas Oratorio
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, oboe d’amore,
bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:1, 3-7
Approx. 28 min.
First performance: Christmas Day, 1734
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 4: Alto aria (oboe d'amore & violin)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Wie soll ich dich empfangen)
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Soprano/bass duet
(Tune: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ)
mov. 8: Bass aria
mov. 9: Chorale:
(Tune: Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her)
HYMN 80 (1982)
HYMN 51, 23, 48 (LBW)

Cantata 91: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
(All praise to You, Jesus Christ)
Scoring: 2 horns in G, timpani, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 25 December 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Soprano recit (secco/chorale arioso)
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet (violins in unison)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 48 (LBW)

Cantata 110: Unser Mund sei voll Lachens
(Our mouths were filled with laughter)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, 2 flutes, timpani, 3 oboes, oboe d’amore,
oboe da caccia, strings, organ, bassoon, b.c.
Text: Psalm 126:2
Approx. 28 min.
First performance: 25 December 1725
mov. 1: Chorus (from overture to Orchestral Suite in D major)
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 4: Alto aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 5: Soprano/tenor duet (b.c. only)
mov. 6: Bass aria
mov. 7: Chorale
(Tune: Wir Christenleut hab’n jetzund Freud)

Cantata 191: Gloria in excelsis Deo
(Glory to God in the highest)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 25 December 1740s
[This is Bach's only church cantata not in the vernacular.]
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus (nearly identical to opening chorus of the Gloria in the B Minor Mass)
Part II:
mov. 2: Soprano/tenor duet (uses music from “Domine Deus” in the Mass to the text "Gloria Patri, et Filio, ..."
(2 flutes in unison)
mov. 3: Chorus (uses music from"Cum Sancto Spiritu" in the Mass)

RCL: First Sunday after Christmas Day

Cantata 58: Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid II
(Ah God, how greatly my heart pangs)
Solo Cantata for Soprano and Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 2:13-15; Titus 3:4-7
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 5 January 1727
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Soprano recit (arioso)
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy

Cantata 153: Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind
(Behold, dear God, how my enemies)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor, Bass
Scoring: strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 2:13-15
Approx. 15 min.
First performance: 2 January 1724
mov. 1: Chorale (Tune: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein)
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Herzlich tut mich verlangen)
HYMN 669 (1982)
HYMN 117 (LBW)

The Epiphany of the Lord, January 6

Cantata 65: Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen
(They will all come out of Saba)
Scoring: 2 horns, 2 recorders, 2 oboes da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 40:1-6
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 6 January 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Chorale (Tune: Ein Kind, geborn zu Bethlehem)
mov. 3: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Bass aria (2 oboes da caccia)
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Tenor aria
mov. 7: Chorale
(Tune: Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit)
HYMN 103 (1982)
HYMN 450 (LBW)

Cantata 123: Liebster Immanuel, Herzog der Frommen
(Beloved Immanuel)
Scoring: 2 flutes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 6 January 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria (flute obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 248v: Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen
(Let Thy glory be sung, O God!)
Christmas Oratorio
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 2:1-4
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: January 1735
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto recit w/ chorus
mov. 4: Chorale (Tune: In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr)
mov. 5: Bass aria (oboe d’amore solo)
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 8: Tenor recit
mov. 9: Soprano/alto/tenor aria
mov. 10: Alto recit
mov. 11: Chorale (Tune: Gott des Himmels und der Erden)
HYMN 266 (LBW)

Cantata 248vi: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben
(Lord, if proud enemies rage)
Christmas Oratorio
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 2:7-12
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 6 January 1735
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor/bass recit
mov. 3: Soprano recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Chorale
(Tune: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein)
mov. 7: Tenor recit
mov. 8: Tenor recit
mov. 9: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 10: SATB recit
mov. 11: Chorale fantasy (Tune: Herzlich tut mich verlangen)
HYMN 669 (1982)
HYMNS 299, 117 (LBW)

BCP: Second Sunday after Christmas

Cantata 32: Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen
(Beloved Jesus, my Desire)
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:49
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 13 January 1726
mov. 1: Soprano aria
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Bass/soprano recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano/bass duet
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Cantata 58: Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid II
(Ah God, how greatly my heart pangs)
Solo Cantata for Soprano and Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 2:13-15; Titus 3:4-7
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 5 January 1727
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Soprano recit (arioso)
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy

Cantata 124: Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht
(I will not leave my Jesus)
Scoring: horn, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 7 January 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet (b.c. only)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 24, 291 (LBW)

Cantata 153: Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind
(Behold, dear God, how my enemies)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor, Bass
Scoring: strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 2:13-15
Approx. 15 min.
First performance: 2 January 1724
mov. 1: Chorale (Tune: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein)
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Herzlich tut mich verlangen)
HYMN 669 (1982)
HYMN 117 (LBW)

Cantata 154: Mein liebster Jesus ist verloren
(My beloved Jesus is lost)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:49
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 9 January 1724
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Chorale (Tune: Werde munter, mein Gemüte)
mov. 4: Alto aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 5: Bass arioso
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Alto/Tenor duet
mov. 8: Chorale (Tune: Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht)
HYMN 336 (1982)
HYMNS 440, 24, 291 (LBW)

BCP: First Sunday after the Epiphany
RCL: Baptism of the Lord (general)

Cantata 7: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam
(Christ, our Lord, came to the Jordan)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 28:19
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: 24 June 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Tenor aria (2 violins)
mov. 5: Bass recit
mov. 6: Alto aria
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 139 (1982)
HYMN 79 (LBW)

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Cantata 170: Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust
(O happy rest, beloved joy for the soul)
Solo Cantata for Alto
Scoring: oboe d’amore, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 5:21-24
Approx. 24 min.
First Performance: 28 July 1726
mov. 1: aria
mov. 2: recit
mov. 3: aria (organ obligato)
mov. 4: recit
mov. 5: aria (organ obligato)

The Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany

Cantata 51: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen!
(Praise God in All the Lands!)
Solo Cantata for Soprano
Scoring: trumpet, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 17 September 1730
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit (arioso)
mov. 3: Aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Soprano chorale (2 violins)
(Tune: Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren)
mov. 5: Aria (“Alleluia”)

Cantata 138: Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz?
(Why do you grieve, my heart?)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 6:24-34
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 5 September 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Chorale fantasy
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Alto recit
mov. 7: Chorale fantasy

Cantatas were not sung during the season of Lent in Bach’s Leipzig.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Cantata 38: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir
(Out of the depths I cry to thee)
Scoring: 4 trombones, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 130
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 29 October 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Soprano recit + chorale
mov. 5: Soprano/alto/bass aria (continuo obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 151 (1982)
HYMN 295 (LBW)

Palm Sunday (general)

Cantata 182: Himmelskönig, sei willkommen
(King of heaven, be Thou welcome)
Scoring: recorders, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 40:7-8
Approx. 30 min.
First performance: 25 March 1724 (Annunciation)
mov. 1: Instrumental sonata
mov. 2: Chorus
mov. 3: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Alto aria (recorder obligato)
mov. 6: Tenor aria (b.c. only)
mov. 7: Chorale fantasy (Tune: Jesu Kreuz, Leiden und Pein)
mov. 8: Chorus
HYMN 115 (LBW)

Easter Day (general)

Cantata 4: Christ lag in Todesbanden
(Christ lay in the bonds of death)
Scoring: cornetto, 3 trombones, strings, b.c.
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: Easter Day, before 1714 (1707?)
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Chorale fantasy
mov. 3: Soprano/alto chorale (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Tenor chorale (violins in unison)
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy
mov. 6: Bass chorale
mov. 7: Soprano/tenor chorale (b.c. only)
mov. 8: Chorale
HYMN 186 (1982)
HYMN 134 (LBW)

Cantata 31: Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret
(The heavens laugh, the earth rejoices)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, tympani, 3 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c., bassoon
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 21 April 1715
mov. 1: Sonata
mov. 2: Chorus
mov. 3: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Tenor aria
mov. 7: Soprano recit
mov. 8: Soprano chorale
mov. 9: Chorale (Tune: Wenn mein Stündlein vorhanden ist)

Cantata 249: Kommt, eilet und laufet, ihr flüchtigen Füße
(Come, hurry, run)
Easter Oratorio
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 recorders, flute, 2 oboes,
oboe d’amore, strings, b.c. (w/ bassoon)
Approx. 47 min.
First performance: Easter Day 1725
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Tenor/bass duet
mov. 3: SATB recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria (flute or violin obligato)
mov. 5: ATB recit
mov. 6: Tenor aria (2 violins)
mov. 7: Soprano/alto recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 8: Alto aria
mov. 9: Bass recit
mov. 10: Chorus

Second Sunday of Easter

Cantata 42: Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats
(Then at evening of the same sabbath)
Scoring: 2 oboes, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: John 20:19
Approx. 33 min.
First performance: 8 April 1725
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Soprano/tenor duet (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 6: Bass aria (2 violins)
mov. 7: Chorale

Third Sunday of Easter

Cantata 6: Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden
(Stay with Us, As Evening is Advancing)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, viola pomposa, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 24:29
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: unknown
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto aria (oboe da caccia solo)
mov. 3: Soprano chorale (viola pomposa solo)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort)
HYMN 132, 297 (1982)
HYMN 230 (LBW)

Cantata 66: Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen
(Rejoice, all hearts)
Scoring: trumpet in D, 2 oboes, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 24:13-35
Approx. 32 min.
First performance: 10 April 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Alto/tenor recit (arioso)
mov. 5: Alto/tenor duet (violin obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Christ ist erstanden)
HYMN 184 (1982)
HYMN 136 (LBW)

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Cantata 175: Er rufet seinen Schafen mit Namen
(He calls his sheep by name)
Scoring: 2 trumpets in D, 3 recorders, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: John 10:3,6
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 22 May 1725
mov. 1: Tenor recit
mov. 2: Alto aria (3 recorders)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Tenor aria (violoncello piccolo obligato)
mov. 5: Alto recit, Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 6: Bass aria (2 trumpets)
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott)
HYMN 163 (LBW)

Cantata 184: Erwünschtes Freudenlicht
(Desired light of joy)
Scoring: 2 flutes, strings, b.c.
Texts: John 10:1-10; Acts 8:14-17
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 30 May 1724
mov. 1: Tenor recit (accomp)
mov. 2: Soprano/alto duet
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: O Herre Gott, dein göttlich Wort)
mov. 6: Chorus

RCL: Cantata 12: Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
(Weeping, Wailing, Worrying, Fearing)
Scoring: trumpet, oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: John 16:20-22, I Peter 2:20
First performance: 3 April 1724
mov. 1: sinfonia
mov. 2: Chorus
mov. 3: Alto arioso
mov. 4: Alto aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Tenor chorale fantasy
mov. 7: Chorale (tune: Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
HYMN 446 (LBW)

Cantata 146: Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal in das Reich Gottes eingehen
(We must enter into the kingdom of God through much tribulation)
Scoring: recorder, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, 2 oboes d’amore, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: I Peter 2:11-20, John 16:16-23
Approx. 40 min.
First performance: 12 May 1726
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Chorus (organ obligato)
mov. 3: Alto aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Tenor/Bass duet
mov. 8: Chorale (tune: Werde munter, mein Gemüte)
HYMN 336 (1982)
HYMN 440 (LBW)

BCP: (Years A & B)
RCL: (Years A, B, & C)

Cantata 112: Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt
(The Lord is my true shepherd)
Scoring: 2 horns in G, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 23
Approx. 15 min.
First performance: 8 April 1731
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 3: Bass arioso & recit
mov. 4: Soprano/tenor duet
mov. 5: Chorale

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Cantata 93: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten
(If thou but suffer God to guide thee)
Scoring: 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: I Peter 3:8-15
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 9 July 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass chorale & recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Soprano chorale
mov. 5: Tenor chorale & recit
mov. 6: Soprano aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Ascension Day
Cantata 11: Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen
(Praise God in His Kingdom)
Ascension Oratorio
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, trombone, 2 recorders, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Luke 24:50-52, Acts 1:9-12, Mark 16:19
Approx. 32 min.
First performance: 19 May 1735
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 4: Alto recit (violins in unison)
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Chorale
(Tune: Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist)
mov. 7: Tenor/bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 8: Alto recit
mov. 9: Tenor recit
mov. 10: Soprano aria
mov. 11: Chorale fantasy (tune: Von Gott will ich nicht lassen)
HYMN 91 (1982)
HYMN 468 (LBW)

Cantata 37: Wer da gläubet und getauft wird
(Whoever believes and is baptized)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Mark 16:16
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 18 May 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano/alto duet with chorale
(Tune: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Ich dank dir, lieber Herre)
HYMN 497 (1982)
HYMNS 43, 73 (LBW)

Cantata 43: Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen
(God went up with a shout)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in C, trombones, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Psalm 47:6-7, Mark 16:19
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 30 May 1726
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (violins in unison)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
Part II:
mov. 6: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 7: Bass aria (solo trumpet)
mov. 8: Alto recit
mov. 9: Alto aria
mov. 10: Soprano recit
mov. 11: Chorale
(Tune: Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist)
HYMN 91 (1982)

Cantata 128: Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein
(Christ ascended alone)
Scoring: trumpet in D, 2 horns in G, 2 oboes d’amore, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: I Corinthians 13:12
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 10 May 1725
mov. 1: chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Bass aria & recit
mov. 4: Alto/tenor duet (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: O Gott, du frommer Gott)
HYMN 681 (1982)

Day of Pentecost (general)

Cantata 34: O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe
(O fire everlasting, O source of love)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 128:4-6
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 1740
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Chorus

Cantata 108: Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe
(It is good for you that I depart)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: John 16:7, 13
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 29 April 1725
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Chorus
mov. 5: Alto aria
mov. 6: Chorale (tune: Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn)
HYMN 361 (LBW)

Cantata 166: Wo gehest du hin?
(Where goest thou?)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor, Bass
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: John 16:5
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 7 May 1724
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Chorale fantasy (tune: Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut)
mov. 4: Bass Recit
mov. 5: Alto aria
mov. 6: Chorale (tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Trinity Sunday (general)

Cantata 129: Gelobt sei der Herr, mein Gott
(Praise the Lord, my God)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, flute, 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 16 June 1726 or 8 June 1727 (Trinity Sunday)
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass aria (continuo obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano aria (flute and violin)
mov. 4: Alto aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy

BCP: Proper 1

Cantata 9: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her
(Salvation has come)
Scoring: flute, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 28 min.
Text: Matthew 5:20-26
First performance: Sixth Sunday after Trinity 1732
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Soprano/alto aria (flute, oboe d’amore)
mov. 6: Bass recit
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 298 (1982)

BCP: Proper 5

Cantata 5: Wo soll ich fliehen hin
(Whither shall I run)
Scoring: trumpet, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 9:1-8; Ephesians 4:22-28
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 15 October 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy (Tune: Auf meinen lieben Gott)
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (viola obligato)
mov. 4: Alto recit + chorale
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorale

Cantata 56: Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen
(I will gladly carry the cross)
Solo Cantata for Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Ephesians 4:22-28; Matthew 9:1-8
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 27 October 1726
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit (accomp)
mov. 3: Aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 4: Recit (arioso)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Du, o schönes Weltgebäude)

RCL: Proper 5

Cantata 26: Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig
(Ah, how transient, ah, how ephemeral)
Scoring: horn, flute, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 9:18-26
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 19 November 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Soprano recit
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 60: O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort II
(O eternity, thou thunderous-word)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor, Bass
Scoring: horn in D, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 9:18-26
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 7 November 1723
mov. 1: Tenor/alto chorale
mov. 2: Alto/tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto tenor duet
mov. 4: Alto/bass recit
mov. 5: Chorale (tune: Es ist genug, so nimm, Herr, meinen Geist)

BCP: Proper 7
RCL: (with Psalm 146 on Year B: Propers 18, 26, 27,
Year C: Propers 5, 21)

Cantata 139: Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott
(It is well for those who depend on God)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 10:16, Psalm 146:5
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 12 November 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Machs mit mir, Gott, nach deiner Güt)
mov. 2: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Soprano recit
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 455 (LBW)

BCP: Proper 8
RCL: Proper 7

Cantata 170: Vergügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust
(Pleasant rest, beloved desire of my soul)
Solo Cantata for Alto
Scoring: oboe d’amore, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: Romans 6:3-11
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 28 July 1726
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit
mov. 3: Aria (organ obligato)
mov. 4: Recit
mov. 5: Aria (organ obligato)

Cantata 9: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her
(Salvation has come)
Scoring: flute, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 28 min.
Text: Matthew 5:20-26
First performance: Sixth Sunday after Trinity 1732
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Soprano/alto aria (flute, oboe d’amore)
mov. 6: Bass recit
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 298 (1982)
HYMN 194, 294 (LBW)

Proper 9

Cantata 48: Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen
(I am a miserable man; who will deliver me?)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Romans 7:24
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 3 October 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut)
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Chorale (Tune: Ach Gott und Herr)
mov. 4: Alto recit (oboe obligato)
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Tenor aria
mov. 7: Chorale

Proper 12

Cantata 99: Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
(What God ordains is always good)
Scoring: horn, flute, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Romans 8:28-39
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 17 September 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 4: Alto recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet (flute, oboe d’amore)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 446 (LBW)

Proper 17

Cantata 56: Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen
(I will gladly carry the cross)
Solo Cantata for Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Ephesians 4:22-28; Matthew16:24-25
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 27 October 1726
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit (accomp)
mov. 3: Aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 4: Recit (arioso)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Du, o schönes Weltgebäude)

Proper 19

Cantata 55: Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht
(I am a poor man, full of sin)
Solo Cantata for Tenor
Scoring: flute, oboe d’amore, violins, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 18:23-35, Psalm 139
Approx. 15 min.
First performance: 17 November 1726
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit
mov. 3: Aria (flute obligato)
mov. 4: Recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Werde munter, mein Gemüte)
HYMN 336 (1982)
HYMN 219 or 440 (LBW)

Cantata 69a: Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele
(Praise the Lord, my soul)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, recorder, 3 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, bassoon, b.c.
Text: Psalm 103:2
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: 15 August 1723
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (recorder & oboe da caccia)
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
HYMN 446 (LBW)

Cantata 89: Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim?
(What shall I make of thee, Ephraim?)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, & Bass
Scoring: horn in C, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 18:23-35, Hosea 11:8
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: 24 October 1723
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Alto aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Soprano recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Auf meinen lieben Gott)

Cantata 115: Mach dich, mein Geist, bereit
(My spirit, be prepared)
Scoring: horn, flute, oboe d’amore, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 18:23-35
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 5 November 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn)
mov. 2: Alto aria
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria (flute & violoncello piccolo)
mov. 5: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 187 (1982)
HYMN 443 (LBW)

Proper 20

Cantata 84: Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke
(I am happy in my good fortune)
Solo Cantata for Soprano
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 20:1-16
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 9 February 1727
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit
mov. 3: Aria (oboe, violin)
mov. 4: recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Cantata 92: Ich hab in Gottes Herz und Sinn
(I have delivered my heart and being into God’s)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 33 min.
First performance: 28 January 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit)
mov. 2: Bass chorale/arioso
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Alto chorale (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 5: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 6: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 7: Chorale + recit for SATB
mov. 8: Soprano aria
mov. 9: Chorale
HYMN 450 (LBW)

Cantata 144: Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin
(Take what is thine, and go thy way)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 20:14
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 6 February 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto aria
mov. 3: Chorale (Tune: Was Got tut, das ist wohlgetan)
mov. 4: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale
(Tune: Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit)
HYMNS 446, 450 (LBW)

Proper 23

Cantata 49: Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen
(I go and search with longing)
Solo Cantata for Soprano & Bass
Scoring: oboe d’amore, organ, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Jeremiah 31:3; Matthew 22:1-14
Approx. 29 min.
First performance: 3 November 1726
mov. 1: Sinfonia (organ concerto)
mov. 2: Bass aria (organ obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano/bass recit (arioso)
mov. 4: Soprano aria (oboe d’amore & violoncello piccolo)
mov. 5: Soprano/bass recit
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy for Soprano/bass (organ obligato)

Cantata 76: Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes
(The heavens tell the glory of God)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, viola da gamba, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 14:16-24; Psalm 19:1-4
Approx. 35 min.
First performance: 6 June 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Alto recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Es woll uns Gott genädig sein)
Part II:
mov. 8: Sinfonia
mov. 9: Bass recit
mov. 10: Tenor aria (b.c. & gambe only)
mov. 11: Alto recit
mov. 12: Alto aria
mov. 13: Tenor recit
mov. 14: Chorale (Es danke, Gott, und lobe dich)

Cantata 162: Ach! Ich sehe, jetzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe
(Ah! I see now as I go to the marriage)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass
Scoring: horn, strings, bassoon, b.c.
Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 10 October 1723
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (continuo obligato)
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Alto/tenor duet (continuo obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Alle Menschen müssen sterben)
HYMN 135, 174 (1982)
HYMNS 90, 242 (LBW)

Cantata 180: Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele
(O soul, be decorated with gladness)
Scoring: 2 recorders, flute, oboe, oboe da caccia, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Approx. 28 min.
First performance: 22 October 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano recit w/ chorale
mov. 4: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 339 (1982)
HYMNS 203, 224 (LBW)

Proper 24

Cantata 52: Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht
(False world, I do not trust you)
Solo Cantata for Soprano
Scoring: 2 horns in F, 3 oboes, strings, bassoon, b.c.
Text: 2 Samuel 3; Matthew 22:15-22
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 24 November 1726
mov. 1: Sinfonia (opening mov. of Brandenburg Concerto #1)
mov. 2: Recit
mov. 3: Aria (2 violins)
mov. 4: Recit
mov. 5: Aria (3 oboes)
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 139: Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott
(Happy is the one who entrusts himself to God)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 22:15-22
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 12 November 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Soprano recit
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 163: Nur jedem das Seine
(Only to each his due)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass
Scoring: Strings, b.c.
Approx. 18 min.
Text: Matthew 22:15-22
First performance: 31 October 1723
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (2 violoncelli)
mov. 4: Soprano/alto duet
mov. 5: Soprano/alto chorale fantasy
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Wo soll ich fliehen hin)

Proper 25

Cantata 96: Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn
(Lord Christ, the only Son of God)
Scoring: horn, trombone, flute, recorder, 2 oboes, violin piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 22:34-46
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 8 October 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 86 (LBW)

Cantata 169: Gott soll allein mein Herze haben
(God alone shall have my heart)
Solo Cantata for Alto
Scoring: Oboe d’amore, oboe da caccia, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: I Corinthians 1:4-8; Matthew 22:34-46
Approx. 27 min.
First performance: 20 October 1726
mov. 1: Sinfonia (organ concerto)
mov. 2: Recit - arioso
mov. 3: Aria (organ obligato)
mov. 4: Recit
mov. 5: Aria (organ obligato)
mov. 6: Recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist)

Proper 27

Cantata 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
(Wake up, a voice is calling us)
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, violino piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Approx. 31 min.
First performance: 25 November 1731
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Soprano/bass duet (piccolo violin obligato)
mov. 4: Tenor chorale (strings in unison)
mov. 5: Bass recit
mov. 6: Soprano/bass duet (oboe obligato)
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 61 (1982)
HYMN 31 (LBW)

Cantata 90: Es reißet euch ein schrecklich Ende
(There ripens for you a dreadful ending)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor & Bass
Scoring: trumpet, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 26:15-28, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Romans 2:4, Revelation 2:5, Luke 19:46
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: 14 November 1723
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Vater unser im Himmelreich)
HYMN 575 (1982)
HYMN 310 or 442 (LBW)

Cantata 116: Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
(You Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ)
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Texts: Matthew 26:15-28, I Thessalonians 4:13-18,
I Corinthians 14:33
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 26 November 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Soprano/tenor/bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Alto recit
mov. 6: Chorale

Proper 29: Christ the King

Cantata 70a: Wachet, betet, seid bereit
(Watch, pray, be ready)
Scoring: trumpet, oboe, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 25:31-46
first performance: 6 December 1716
mov. 1: same as Cantata 70, 1
mov. 2: same as Cantata 70, 3
mov. 3: same as Cantata 70, 5
mov. 4: same as Cantata 70, 8
mov. 5: same as Cantata 70, 10
mov. 6: same as Cantata 70, 11

Cantata 70: Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!
(Watch, pray, pray, watch!)
Scoring: trumpet in C, oboe, strings, b.c., bassoon
Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: 21 November 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 3: Alto aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Chorale
Part II:
mov. 8: Tenor aria
mov. 9: Bass recit + chorale
mov. 10: Bass aria
mov. 11: Chorale (Tune: Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht)
HYMN 24 or 291 (LBW)

Year B

First Sunday of Advent (B)

Cantata 104: Du Hirte Israel, höre
(Hear, O shepherd of Israel)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 23 min.
Text: Psalm 80:2
First performance: 23 April 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr)
HYMN 421 (1982)
HYMN 166 (LBW)

Third Sunday of Advent (B)

Cantata 132: Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn
(Prepare the way)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass
Scoring: oboe, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: John 1:19-28
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 22 December 1715
mov. 1: Soprano aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Alto aria (violin obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn)
HYMN 86 (LBW)

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Day (December 25)
Holy Name (January 1)
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany (January 6)
Palm Sunday
Easter
Second Sunday of Easter

see Year A

Third Sunday of Easter (B)

Cantata 134: Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß
(A heart that knows its living Jesus)
Scoring: 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 29 min.
First performance: 11 April 1724
mov. 1: Tenor recit
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Alto/tenor recit
mov. 4: Alto/tenor aria
mov. 5: Alto/tenor recit
mov. 6: Chorus

Cantata 145: Ich lebe, mein Herze, zu deinem Ergötzen
(I live, my heart)
Scoring: Trumpet in D, flute, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 24:36-47
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 3rd day of Easter 1729
mov. 1: Soprano/tenor duet (violin obligato)
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag)
HYMN 201 (1982)
HYMN 154 (LBW)

Cantata 158: Der Friede sei mit dir
(Peace be with you)
Scoring: oboe, violin, b.c.
Text: Luke 24:36-47
Approx. 12 min.
First performance: 3rd day of Easter, year unknown
mov. 1: Bass recit
mov. 2: Chorale fantasy
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Chorale (Tune: Christ lag in Todesbanden)
HYMN 186 (1982)
HYMN 134 (LBW)

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Cantata 85: Ich bin ein guter Hirt
(I am the good shepherd)
Scoring: 2 oboes, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Approx. 20 min.
Text: John 10:12
First performance: 15 April 1725
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Alto aria (violoncello piccolo obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano chorale
(Tune: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (violins in unison)
mov. 6: Chorale
(Tune: Ist Gott mein Schild und Helfersmann)
HYMN 421 (1982)
HYMN 166 (LBW)

see also Year A: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Cantata 112

RCL: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Cantata 75: Die Elenden sollen essen
(The miserable shall eat)
[the first cantata Bach wrote for Leipzig]
Scoring: 2 trumpets (C & G), 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c., bassoon
Text: Psalm 22:27
Approx. 40 min.
First performance: 30 May 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorale fantasy (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
Part II:
mov. 8: Sinfonia
mov. 9: Alto recit
mov. 10: Alto aria (violin obligato)
mov. 11: Bass recit
mov. 12: Bass aria
mov. 13: Tenor recit
mov. 14: Chorale (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
HYMN 446 (LBW)

Sixth Sunday of Easter (B)

Cantata 86: Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage euch
(Truly, truly, I say to you)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Texts: John 15:15-16, John 16:23-24, James 1:22-27
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 14 May 1724
mov. 1: Bass arioso
mov. 2: Alto aria
mov. 3: Soprano chorale fantasy
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Chorale (tune: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her)
HYMN 298 (1982)
HYMN 194, 297 (LBW)

Cantata 68: Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt
(For God so loved the world)
Scoring: horn, zink, 3 trombones, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Texts: John 3:16-21; Acts 10:42-48
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 21 May 1725
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano aria (violoncello piccolo obligato)
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Chorus

Cantata 173: Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut
(O exalted flesh and blood)
Scoring: 2 flutes, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Texts: John 3:16-21; Acts 10:42-48
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 29 May 1728
mov. 1: Tenor recit
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Soprano/bass duet
mov. 5: Soprano/tenor recit
mov. 6: Chorus

Pentecost
see Year A

Trinity Sunday

Cantata 165: O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad
(O Holy Spirit and waterbath)
Scoring: strings, b.c. (w/ bassoon)
Text: John 3:1-15
Approx. 15 min.
First performance: 4 June 1724
mov. 1: Soprano aria
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Alto aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (violins in unison)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Nun laßt uns Gott, dem Herren)

Cantata 176: Es ist ein trotzig und verzagt Ding
(It is an obstinate and hopeless thing)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Jeremiah 17:9, John 3:1-15
Approx. 13 min.
First performance: 27 May 1725
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria
mov. 4: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Alto aria (2 oboes + oboe da caccia)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam)
HYMN 139 (1982)
HYMN 79 (LBW)

BCP: Proper 3 (B)
see Year A, Proper 19: Cantata 69a

Proper 5 (B)
see Year A, Lent 5

Proper 18 (B)

Cantata 35: Geist und Seele wird verwirret
(Spirit and soul become disordered)
Solo Cantata for Alto
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: Mark 7:31-37
Approx. 31 min.
First performance: 8 September 1726
Part I:
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: aria
mov. 3: recit
mov. 4: aria (organ obligato)
Part II:
mov. 5: Sinfonia
mov. 6: recit
mov. 7: aria

Cantata 137: Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren
(Praise to the Lord, the almighty King of honor)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 31 August 1732
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto chorale (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Soprano/bass aria (2 oboes)
mov. 4: Tenor chorale (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Chorale
HYMN 390 (1982)
HYMN 543 (LBW)

BCP: Proper 19 (B)

Cantata 109: Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben!
(I believe, dear Lord, help my unbelief!)
Scoring: Horn, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Mark 9:24
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 17 October 1723
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Alto aria (2 oboes)
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt)

Year C

Third Sunday in Advent (C)
see Year B, Advent III

Fourth Sunday in Advent (C)
see also Year B, Advent I

Cantata 147: Herz und Mund und That und Leben
(Heart and mouth and deed and life)
Scoring: trumpet, oboe d'amore, 2 oboes da caccia, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 1:39-56
Approx. 34 min.
First performance: 20 December 1716
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit (secco/accomp)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Werde munter, mein Gemüte)
Part II:
mov. 7: Tenor aria (b.c. only)
mov. 8: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 9: Bass aria
mov. 10: Chorale fantasy
HYMN 336 (1982)
HYMN 440 (LBW)

Christmas Day
Holy Name (January 1)
see Year A

RCL: First Sunday after Christmas Day (C)

Cantata 32: Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen
(Beloved Jesus, my Desire)
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:49
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 13 January 1726
mov. 1: Soprano aria
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Bass/soprano recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano/bass duet
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Cantata 154: Mein liebster Jesus ist verloren
(My beloved Jesus is lost)
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:49
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 9 January 1724
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Chorale (Tune: Werde munter, mein Gemüte)
mov. 4: Alto aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 5: Bass arioso
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Alto/Tenor duet
mov. 8: Chorale (Tune: Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht)
HYMNS 24, 440 (LBW)

Second Sunday after Christmas (C)
Epiphany (January 6)
see Year A

Second Sunday after Epiphany (C)

Cantata 3: Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid
(God, how many a heart-pang)
Scoring: horn, trombone, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: John 2:1-11
Approx. 27 min.
First performance: 14 January 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy (O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht)
mov. 2: SATB recit w/ chorus
mov. 3: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 13: Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen
(My sighs, my tears)
Scoring: 2 recorders, oboe, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: John 2:1-11
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 20 January 1726
mov. 1: Tenor aria (2 recorders, oboe da caccia)
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Alto chorale (tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Bass aria (violin obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: O Welt, ich muß dich lassen)
HYMN 46, 309 (1982)
HYMN 470, 222 (LBW)

Cantata 155: Mein Gott, wie lang, ach lange
(How long, O Lord?)
Scoring: bassoon, strings, b.c.
Approx. 13 min.
First performance: 16 January 1724
mov. 1: Soprano recit
mov. 2: Alto/tenor duet
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her)
HYMN 298 (1982)
HYMN 194 or 297 (LBW)

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (C)

Cantata 88: Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden
(Behold, I will send for many fishers)
Scoring: 2 horns in G, 2 oboes d’amore, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Jeremiah 16:16; Luke 5:10
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 21 July 1726
Part I:
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
Part II:
mov. 4: Bass/tenor aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto aria
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (C)

Cantata 185: Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe
(O compassionate heart of eternal love)
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 6:35-38
Approx. 16 min.
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ)
HYMN 634 (1982)

Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany (C)

Cantata 24: Ein ungefährt Gemüte
(An unfeigned Spirit)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 6:42
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 20 June 1723
mov. 1: Alto aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Chorus
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore obligato)
mov. 6: Chorus

Cantata 24: Ein ungefärbt Gemüte
(An unstained mind)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 6:36-42
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 20 June 1723
mov. 1: Alto aria (violins + violas in unison)
mov. 2: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Chorus
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy (Tune: O Gott, du frommer Gott)
HYMN 681 (1982)

Second Sunday of Easter (C)
see Year A

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)

Cantata 59: Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten (I)
(Whoever loves me will keep my commandments)
Scoring: 2 trumpets in C, trombones, strings, b.c.
Text: John 14:23
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: Pentecost 1723 or 28 May 1724
mov. 1: Soprano/bass duet
mov. 2: Soprano recit (arioso)
mov. 3: Chorale: “Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott”
mov. 4: Bass aria (violin obligato)
HYMN 163 (LBW)

Cantata 74: Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten (II)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in C, trombones, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: John 14:23, 28, Romans 8:1
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 20 May 1725
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano aria (oboe da caccia obligato)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 7: Alto aria (violin obligato)
mov. 8: Chorale
(Tune: Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn)
HYMN 361 (LBW)

Cantata 172: Erschallet, ihr Lieder, erklinget, ihr Saiten!
(Ring out, ye songs)
Scoring: 1724 version: 3 trumpets, timpani, flute, oboe, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c., bassoon
1731 version: 3 trumpets, timpani, oboe (or organ obligato), strings, b.c., bassoon
Text: John 14:23
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 28 May 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (3 trumpets, timpani)
mov. 4: Tenor aria (violins + viola in unison)
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet with chorale
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern)
mov. 7: Chorus
HYMN 497 (1982)
HYMN 43 or 73 (LBW)

The Day of Pentecost
see Year A

BCP: Proper 3 (C)

Cantata 24: Ein ungefärbt Gemüte
(An unstained mind)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 6:36-42
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 20 June 1723
mov. 1: Alto aria (violins + violas in unison)
mov. 2: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Chorus
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 6: Chorale fantasy (Tune: O Gott, du frommer Gott)
HYMN 681 (1982)

Cantata 177: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
(I call to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
Scoring: 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 6:36-42
Approx. 28 min.
First performance: 6 July 1732
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto aria (b.c. only)
mov. 3: Soprano aria (oboe da caccia obligato)
mov. 4: Tenor aria (violin, bassoon)
mov. 5: Chorale
HYMN 634 (1982)

Cantata 185: Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe
(Merciful heart of eternal love)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c. (w/ bassoon)
Text: Luke 6:36-42
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 20 June 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ)
HYMN 634 (1982)

Proper 5 (C)

Cantata 8: Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben?
(Loving God, when will I die?)
Scoring: horn, flute, 2 oboes d’amore (oboe da caccia), strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 24 September 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Soprano recit
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 27: Wer weiß, wie nahe mein Ende!
(Who knows how close is my end!)
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 6 October 1726
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Alto aria (oboe da caccia + organ obligato)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Cantata 95: Christus, der ist mein Leben
(Christ, you are my life)
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 12 September 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
(Tunes: Christus, der ist mein Leben
& Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin)
mov. 2: Soprano recit
mov. 3: Soprano chorale (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Wenn mein Stündlein vorhanden ist)
HYMN 295 or 356 (1982)
HYMNS 263, 349 (LBW)

Cantata 161: Komm, du süße Todesstunde
(Come, sweet hour of death)
Scoring: 2 recorders, organ, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 6 October 1715
mov. 1: Alto Chorale fantasy (organ obligato)
mov. 2: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 5: Chorus
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Herzlich tut mich verlangen)
HYMN 168 or 669 (1982)
HYMN 117 (LBW)

Proper 8 (C)

Cantata 78: Jesu, der du meine Seele
(Jesus, my beloved Savior)
Scoring: horn, flute, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 7:18, 24
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 10 September 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Soprano/alto duet (b.c. only)
mov. 3: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 5: Bass arioso
mov. 6: Bass aria
mov. 7: Chorale

Proper 10 (C)

Cantata 33: Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
(Only to you, Lord Jesus Christ)
Scoring: 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 10:23-37
Approx. 27 min.
First performance: 3 September 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit (secco - arioso)
mov. 3: Alto aria (one of Bach’s most beautiful)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor/bass aria (2 oboes)
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 395 (LBW)

Cantata 77: Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben
(You should love the Lord, your God)
Scoring: trumpet, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 10:23-37
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 22 August 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (2 oboes)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Alto aria (trumpet obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sich darein)

Cantata 164: Ihr, die ihr euch von Christo nennet
(You who call after Christ)
Scoring: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 10:23-37
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 26 August 1725
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Alto aria (2 flutes)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Soprano/bass duet (flute + oboe + violin in unison)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn)
HYMN 86 (LBW)

Proper 17 (C)

Cantata 47: Wer sich selbst erhöhet, der soll erniedriget werden
(Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled)
Scoring: 2 oboes, organ, strings, b.c.
Texts: Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 13 October 1726
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano aria (organ obligato)
mov. 3: Bass recit
mov. 4: Bass aria (oboe & violin)
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz)

Cantata 114: Ach, lieben Christen, seid getrost
(Ah, dear Christians, be comforted)
Scoring: horn, flute, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 14:1-11
Approx. 26 min.
[C.f. large organ chorale prelude on Vater unser in Clavierübung III]
First performance: 1 October 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 3: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Soprano chorale
mov. 5: Alto aria
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Chorale

Cantata 148: Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens
(Bring to the Lord the honor due His Name)
Scoring: trumpet in D, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Psalm 96:8, Luke 14:1-11
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 19 September 1723
mov. 1: chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Alto aria (3 oboes)
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Auf meinen lieben Gott)

Proper 19 (C)

Cantata 21: Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis
(I had great heaviness of heart)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 4 trombones, oboe, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Texts: Psalm 94:19; Psalm 42:12; Psalm 116:7; Revelation 5:12;
Luke 15:1-10
Approx. 44 min.
First performance: 13 June 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Chorus
mov. 3: Soprano aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Chorus
Part II:
mov. 7: Soprano/bass recit
mov. 8: Soprano/bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 9: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
mov. 10: Tenor aria (b.c. only)
mov. 11: Chorus
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Cantata 135: Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder
(O Lord, I am a poor sinner)
Scoring: Trombone, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 6
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 25 June 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy (Tune: Herzlich tut mich verlangen)
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (2 oboes)
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Bass aria
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 669 (1982)
HYMN 117 (LBW)

Proper 20 (C)

Cantata 105: Herr, gehe nicht ins Gericht mit deinem Knecht
(Lord, enter not into judgment with thy servant)
Scoring: horn in C, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 16:1-9
Approx. 25 min.
First performance: 25 July 1723
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Chorale (tune: Jesu, der du meine Seele)

Cantata 168: Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort
(“Give account!” What a thunderous-word)
Solo Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass
Scoring: 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 16:1-9
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 29 July 1725
mov. 1: Bass aria
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (oboes d’amore obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Soprano/alto duet (continuo obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (tune: Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut)

Proper 21

Cantata 20: O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (I)
(O Eternity, you thunderous word!)
Scoring: trumpet in C, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Matthew 23:33; Luke 16:19-31
Approx. 31 min.
First performance: 11 June 1724
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Bass aria (3 oboes)
mov. 6: Alto aria
mov. 7: Chorale
Part II:
mov. 8: Bass aria
mov. 9: Alto recit
mov. 10: Alto/tenor duet (b.c. only)
mov. 11: Chorale

Cantata 75: Die Elenden sollen essen
(The miserable shall eat)
[the first cantata Bach wrote for Leipzig]
Scoring: 2 trumpets (C & G), 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c., bassoon
Texts: Psalm 22:26; Luke 16:19-31
Approx. 40 min.
First performance: 30 May 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorale fantasy (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
Part II:
mov. 8: Sinfonia
mov. 9: Alto recit
mov. 10: Alto aria (violin obligato)
mov. 11: Bass recit
mov. 12: Bass aria
mov. 13: Tenor recit
mov. 14: Chorale (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan)
HYMN 446 (LBW)

Proper 23 (C)

Cantata 67: Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ
(Hold Jesus Christ in affection)
Scoring: horn, recorder, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: 2 Timothy 2:8
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 16 April 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Chorale (Tune: Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag)
mov. 5: Alto recit
mov. 6: Bass arioso
mov. 7: Chorale
HYMN 154 (LBW)

Cantata 17: Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich
(Whoever offers thanks, praises me)
Scoring: 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Psalm 50:23; Luke 17:15-16
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 22 September 1726
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (2 violins)
Part II:
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria
mov. 6: Bass recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren)
HYMN 519 (LBW)

Cantata 25: Es ist nichts Gesundes an meinem Leibe
(There is nothing healthy in my life)
Scoring: Zink, 3 trombones, 3 recorders, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 38:4
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 29 August 1723
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Proper 25 (C)
see also Year C, Proper 17
Cantata 47

Cantata 113: Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut
(Lord Jesus Christ, your great goodness)
Scoring: flute, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Texts: Luke 18:9-14, I Corinthians 15:1-10
Approx. 30 min.
First performance: 20 August 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto Chorale (violins in unison)
mov. 3: Bass aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 4: Bass Chorale + recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 6: Tenor recit (accomp)
mov. 7: Soprano/alto aria
mov. 8: Chorale

Cantata 179: Siehe zu, daß deine Gottesfurcht nicht Heuchelei sei
(See to it that your fear of God is not hypocritical)
Scoring: 2 recorders, flute, oboe, oboe da caccia, violoncello piccolo, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 18:9-14
Approx. 28 min.
First performance: 8 August 1723
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria
mov. 4: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (2 oboes da caccia)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMN 453 (LBW)

Cantata 199: Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut
(My heart swims in blood)
Solo Cantata for Soprano
Scoring: oboe, strings, b.c. (w/ bassoon)
Text: Luke 18:9-14
Approx. 26 min.
First performance: 8 August 1723
mov. 1: Recit
mov. 2: Aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 3: Recit
mov. 4: Aria
mov. 5: Recit
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Wo soll ich fliehen hin)
(Gamba obligato)
mov. 7: Recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 8: Aria

Holy Days and Special Occasions

Holy Name of Jesus: January 1

Cantata 16: Herr Gott, dich loben wir
(Lord God, we praise you)
Scoring: horn, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 1 January 1726
mov. 1: Chorale fantasia
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria w/ chorus
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Helft mir Gotts Güte preisen)

Cantata 41: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset
(Jesus now be praised)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, trombone, 3 oboes, viola pomposa, strings, b.c.
Approx. 30 min.
First performance: 1 January 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasia
mov. 2: Soprano aria (3 oboes)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Tenor aria (viola pomposa obligato)
mov. 5: Bass recit w/ chorus
mov. 6: Chorale

Cantata 143: Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele
(Praise the Lord, my soul)
Scoring: 3 horns, trombone, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: 1 January 1708
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano chorale (violin obligato)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Tenor aria
mov. 5: Bass aria (3 horns, timpani)
mov. 6: Tenor chorale (unison strings)
mov. 7: Chorale fantasia

Cantata 171: Gott, wie dein Name, so ist auch dein Ruhm
(According to thy Name, so is thy praise)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, trombone, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 48:10
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 1 January 1729
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor aria (2 violins)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 5: Bass recit (arioso)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset)

Cantata 190: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied!
(Sing to the Lord a new song!)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 3 oboes, oboe d’amore, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 149:1, 150:4, 6, 7
Approx. 19 min.
First performance: 1 January 1724
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Recit (alto, tenor, bass) with chorale
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Tenor & Bass duet (oboe d’amore obligato)
mov. 6: Tenor recit
mov. 7: Chorale (tune: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset)

Cantata 248iv: Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
(Fall down with thanks, fall down with praise)
Christmas Oratorio
Scoring: 2 horns in F, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Luke 2:21
Approx. 27 min.
First performance: 1 January 1735
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Tenor recit
mov. 3: Bass & Soprano Recit, w/ chorale
mov. 4: Soprano aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 5: Bass & Soprano recit, w/ chorale
mov. 6: Tenor aria (2 violins)
mov. 7: Chorale

Presentation of the Lord: February 2

Cantata 82: Ich habe genug
(I have enough)
Solo Cantata for Bass
Scoring: Oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: Song of Simeon
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 2 February 1727
mov. 1: Aria
mov. 2: Recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Aria (one of Bach’s most beautiful)
mov. 4: Recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 5: Aria

Cantata 83: Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde
(Joyful time in the new dispensation)
Solo Cantata for Alto, Tenor, & Bass
Scoring: 2 horns in F, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: 2 February 1724
mov. 1: Alto aria
mov. 2: Bass chorale fantasy + recit
mov. 3: Tenor aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin)

Cantata 125: Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
(In peace and joy I now depart)
Scoring: horn, flute, oboe, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Song of Simeon
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 2 February 1725
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Alto aria (flute, oboe d’amore)
mov. 3: Bass chorale + recit
mov. 4: Tenor/bass duet (2 violins)
mov. 5: Alto recit
mov. 6: Chorale
HYMN 349 (LBW)

Cantata 200: Bekennen will ich seinen Namen
(I want to profess His Name)
Solo Cantata for Alto
Scoring: 2 violins, b.c.
Approx. 5 min.
First performance: 1740's
mov. 1: Aria

Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth: May 31
see Year C, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Cantata 147

Nativity of John the Baptist: June 24

Cantata 30: Freue dich, erlöste Schar
(Be joyful ye faithful)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, oboe d’amore, strings, b.c.
Approx. 40 min.
first performance: 24 June 1738
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Alto recit
mov. 5: Alto aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
Part II:
mov. 7: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 8: Bass aria (violin obligato)
mov. 9: Soprano recit
mov. 10: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 11: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 12: Chorus
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Cantata 167: Ihr Menschen, rühmet Gottes Liebe
(You people, extol the love of God)
Scoring: trumpet, oboe, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Texts: Isaiah 40:1-5; Luke 1:57-80
Approx. 18 min.
First performance: 24 June 1723
mov. 1: Tenor aria
mov. 2: Alto recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Soprano/alto duet (oboe da caccia obligato)
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren)
HYMN 519 (LBW)

St. Michael and All Angels: September 29

Cantata 19: Es erhub sich ein Streit
(There arose a dispute)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in C, timpani, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore,
oboe da caccia, strings, b.c.
Text: Revelation 12:7-12
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 29 September 1726
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Soprano aria (2 oboes d’amore)
mov. 4: Tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor chorale
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Cantata 50: Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft
(Now is the Kingdom and the power)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, trombone, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 5 min.
First performance: unknown
mov. 1: Double chorus

Cantata 130: Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir
(Lord God, we praise you)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in C, timpani, flute, 3 oboes, strings, b.c.
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: 29 September 1724
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy (Tune: Old Hundredth)
mov. 2: Alto recit
mov. 3: Bass aria (3 trumpets, timpani)
mov. 4: Soprano/tenor recit
mov. 5: Tenor aria (flute obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Old Hundredth)
HYMN 377, 378, 380 (1982)
HYMN 245, 531, or 550 (LBW)

Cantata 149: Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg in den Hütten der Gerechten
(Let songs of rejoicing be raised)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, trombones, 3 oboes, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Texts: Psalm 118:15-16, Revelation 12:7-12
Approx. 22 min.
First performance: 29 September 1728 or 1729
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 3: Alto recit
mov. 4: Soprano aria
mov. 5: Tenor recit
mov. 6: Alto/tenor duet (bassoon obligato)
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Herzlich lieb hab ich dich)
HYMN 325 (LBW)

Reformation: October 31

Cantata 79: Gott der Herr ist Sonn’ und Schild
(The Lord God is a sun and shield)
Scoring: 2 horns in G, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 84:11
Approx. 17 min.
First performance: 31 October 1725
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Alto aria (oboe or flute obligato)
mov. 3: Chorale: Nun danket alle Gott
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Soprano/bass duet (violin obligato)
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Nun laßt uns Gott, dem Herren)
HYMN 397 (1982)
HYMN 534 (LBW)

Cantata 80: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
(A mighty fortress is our God)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, timpani, 2 oboes, oboe da caccia, strings, b.c., organ
Texts: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8, Revelation 14:6-8
Approx. 30 min.
First performance: 31 October 1735
mov. 1: Chorale fantasy
mov. 2: Bass/soprano chorale fantasy (violins & viola in unison)
mov. 3: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 4: Soprano aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Chorale fantasy
mov. 6: Tenor recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 7: Alto/tenor duet (violin & oboe da caccia)
mov. 8: Chorale
HYMN 688 (1982)
HYMN 229 or 239 (LBW)

All Souls Day: November 2
see Funerals

Weddings

Cantata 34a: O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe
(O eternal fire, O source of love)
Scoring: 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
(Incomplete)
First performance: 1736
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Tenor/alto aria + recit
mov. 4: Chorus
Part II:
mov. 5: Alto aria (2 flutes, strings)
mov. 6: Soprano recit
mov. 7: Chorus

Cantata 120a: Herr Gott, Beherrscher aller Dinge
(Lord God, ruler of all things)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, timpani, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, organ, strings, b.c.
Approx. 33 min.
First performance: 1729
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit + chorus
mov. 3: Soprano aria
Part II:
mov. 4: Sinfonia (organ concerto)
mov. 5: Tenor recit and litany
mov. 6: Alto/tenor duet
mov. 7: Bass recit
mov. 8: Chorale
(Tune: Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren)
HYMN 390 (1982)
HYMN 543 (LBW)

Cantata 195: Dem Gerechten muß das Licht immer wieder aufgehen
(The righteous must be open to the light)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, timpani, 2 horns in G, 2 flutes, 2 oboes,
2 oboes d’amore, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 97:11,12
Approx. 16 min.
First performance: 1728/31?
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit (accomp)
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Chorus
Part II:
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich)
HYMN 47, 300, or 351 (LBW)

Cantata 196: Derr Herr denket an uns
(The Lord thinks on us)
Scoring: strings, organ, b.c.
Approx. 14 min.
First performance: 5 June 1708
mov. 1: Sinfonia
mov. 2: Chorus
mov. 3: Soprano aria (violin obligato)
mov. 4: Tenor/bass duet
mov. 5: Chorus

Cantata 197: Gott ist uns're Zuversicht
(God is our confidence)
Scoring: 3 trumpets in D, timpani, 2 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, bassoon, strings, b.c.
Text: Psalm 115:12-15
Approx. 20 min.
First performance: between 1735 & 1742
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 3: Alto aria
mov. 4: Bass recit
mov. 5: Chorale (Tune: Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist)
Part II:
mov. 6: Bass aria
mov. 7: Soprano recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 8: Soprano aria
mov. 9: Bass recit
mov. 10: Chorale
(Tune: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten)
HYMN 635 (1982)
HYMNS 317, 453 (LBW)

Secular Wedding Cantatas

Cantata 202: Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten

Cantata 210: O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit

Funerals

Cantata 106: Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit
(Actus Tragicus)
(God’s time is the best time)
Scoring: 2 recorders, 2 gambas, b.c.
Texts: Acts 17:28, Psalm 90:12, Isaiah 38:1, Sirach 14:18,
Psalm 31:6, Luke 23:43
Approx. 23 min.
First performance: 10 August 1707
mov. 1: Sonatino
mov. 2: Chorus
Tenor arioso
Bass aria (recorder obligato)
Soprano arioso + chorale
mov. 3: Alto aria (b.c. only)
Bass/alto arioso + chorale
mov. 4: Chorale fantasy
(Tune: In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr)

Cantata 157: Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn
(I will not let thee go except thou bless me)
Solo Cantata for Tenor and Bass
Scoring: flute, oboe, strings, b.c.
Text: Genesis 32:26
Approx. 21 min.
First performance: 6 February 1727
mov. 1: Tenor/bass duet
mov. 2: Tenor aria (oboe obligato)
mov. 3: Tenor recit
mov. 4: Bass aria
mov. 5: Chorale: Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht
HYMN 24 or 291 (LBW)

Cantata 198: Trauerode
(Funeral Ode)
Scoring: 2 transverse flutes, 2 oboes d’amore, 2 gambas, 2 lutes, strings, b.c., organ, harpsichord
Approx. 29 min.
First performance: 17 October 1727
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Soprano recit (accomp)
mov. 3: Soprano aria
mov. 4: Alto recit (accomp)
mov. 5: Alto aria (2 gambas)
mov. 6: Tenor recit (accomp)
mov. 7: Chorus
Part II:
mov. 8: Tenor aria
mov. 9: Bass recit (secco/arioso)
mov. 10: Chorus

Organ Dedication

Cantata 194: Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest
(Highest wished for joy-feast)
Scoring: 3 oboes, strings, b.c., bassoon
Text: John 3:1-15 (dialogue with Nicodemus)
Approx. 39 min.
First performance: 2 November 1723
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Bass aria
mov. 4: Soprano recit
mov. 5: Soprano aria
mov. 6: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
Part II:
mov. 7: Tenor recit
mov. 8: Tenor aria (b.c. only)
mov. 9: Bass/soprano recit (dialogue)
mov. 10: Soprano/bass duet (2 oboes)
mov. 11: Bass recit
mov. 12: Chorale (Tune: Nun laßt uns Gott, dem Herren)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

World Hunger

Cantata 39: Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brot
(Give bread to the hungry)
Scoring: 2 recorders, 2 oboes, strings, b.c.
Texts: Luke 16:19-31; I John 4:16-21; Isaiah 58:7-8; Hebrews 13:16
Approx. 24 min.
First performance: 23 June 1726
Part I:
mov. 1: Chorus
mov. 2: Bass recit
mov. 3: Alto aria (violin obligato)
Part II:
mov. 4: Bass aria (b.c. only)
mov. 5: Soprano aria (2 recorders)
mov. 6: Alto recit
mov. 7: Chorale (Tune: Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele)
HYMN 470 (LBW)

Jonathan Dimmock

Further Reading:

Butt, John. Bach Interpretation: Articulation Marks in Primary Sources of J. S. Bach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 1990

David, Hans and Mendel, Arthur, editors. The Bach Reader. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. 1945

Dreyfus, Laurence. Bach’s Continuo Group: Players and Practices in His Vocal Works. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 1987

Neumann, Werner. Handbuch der Kantaten Johann Sebastian Bachs. Wiesbaden: Breitkopf & Härtel. 1947

Steinitz, Paul. Performing Bach’s Vocal Music. Croydon: Addington Press (RSCM). 1980

Stiller, Günther. Johann Sebastian Bach and Liturgical Life in Leipzig. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. 1984

Unger, Melvin P. Handbook to Bach’s Sacred Cantata Texts: An Interlinear Translation with Reference Guide to Biblical Quotations and Allusions. Lanham, Md., & London: Scarecrow Press, Inc. 1996

Whittaker, W. Gillies. The Cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach: Sacred & Secular. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1959

Wolff, Christoph. Bach: Essays on His Life and Music. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 1991

Dedicated to George without whose encouragement this would not have been possible

Special thanks to J. Clark, who gave me my first love of Bach,
Kristin Womack, Claire Kelm, & my colleagues of American Bach Soloists

© 1996