Bach's motets, unlike those of his contemporaries, sometimes included distinctly independent instrumental parts, such as in BWV 118, O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht.
Notable Performances
Bach's motets were among the few of his choral works to remain continuously in the repertoire of the Thomaskirche choir in Leipzig after his death.
Cultural Impact
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was deeply impressed by Bach's eight-part motet, Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, when he heard it performed in Leipzig in 1789, influencing his own compositional style.
Composition History
As Cantor of St. Thomas's in Leipzig, J. S. Bach was responsible for providing music for funerals, including the composition and selection of motets.
Composition History
Bach's motets were primarily 'occasional' music, produced individually on commission for specific funerals or commemorative events, rather than conceived as a set.
Recording & Production
This recording is the first in a new series by Trinity Wall Street and is released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Interpretation
For Bach's motet BWV 226, Der Geist hilft unsrer Schwachheit auf, a complete set of autograph string and wind instrumental parts doubling the voices, as well as a figured continuo part, survive.
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J. S. Bach: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: I. Jesu, meine Freude
