The performers on this album believe that Bach's sacred music's power comes from the passion and emotions evoked by the liturgical text, rather than an ascetic approach.
Compositional Technique
Bach's librettist for "Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen" likely played on the double meaning of "Kreuzstab," referring to both the Cross and a navigational instrument called Jacob's staff.
Composition History
The cantata BWV 158, "Der Friede sei mit dir," is a rare work whose exact date of conception is unknown and is likely a remodelled version of an older, lost cantata.
Composition History
Of Bach's 215 known cantatas, only two were exclusively written for a solo bass voice: BWV 82 and BWV 56.
Composition History
Bach's cantata BWV 82, "Ich habe genug," was rewritten multiple times for different vocal soloists, including soprano and alto, over the years.
Historical Context
In Bach's time, musical works were rarely published or known beyond a small geographical area, and recycling of pieces was common.
Compositional Technique
The chorale melody "Welt, ade, ich bin dein müde" in BWV 158 is by Johann Rosenmüller, a composer who almost became Bach's predecessor in Leipzig.
