Bach, J.S.: Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, Cantata BWV 21; Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147

Featuring

Nuria Rial
Benedikt Kristjánsson
Matthias Winckhler
Hans-Christoph Rademann
Wiebke Lehmkuhl
Gaechinger Cantorey

Johann Sebastian Bach

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Compositional Technique

The cantata BWV 147 is well-known for its chorale arrangement, particularly the unmistakable triplet rhythm in the prelude and chorale accompaniment, which has become more popular than the chorale melody itself.

Composer Biography

Before becoming Kantor in Leipzig, Johann Sebastian Bach was primarily involved with instrumental music as court Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen, with sacred cantatas not being in demand.

Composition History

Johann Sebastian Bach arrived in Leipzig with his family on May 22, 1723, to begin his new role as Kantor of St. Thomas Church.

Compositional Technique

In Cantata BWV 21, Johann Sebastian Bach used a trombone quartet to discreetly reinforce the orchestral voices in the penultimate chorus, highlighting the Leipzig city pipers.

Composition History

Due to immediate demands for music in Leipzig, Johann Sebastian Bach reworked older compositions from his Weimar period for new liturgical purposes and performance conditions.

Composition History

The two cantatas on this album, BWV 21 and BWV 147, were performed by Johann Sebastian Bach during his first weeks as the new Kantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig.

Composer Biography

Johann Sebastian Bach's personal circumstances are not well-documented, with most information coming from official documents rather than details about his private life or social contacts.