Category: cantatas

  • BACH: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80

    This sacred cantata by Bach is a combative cantata written for Reformation Day (October 31st) as a battle song of the Reformation. Military references are found not just in the words, but in the music as well, built up by Bach over the years. I love Bach’s masterful use of word painting in this cantata.…

  • Bach sacred cantata – Erschallet, ihr Lieder, erklinget, ihr Saiten! BWV 172

    Bach wrote this cantata, while in Weimar, on May 20, 1714, for Pentecost Sunday. The libretto is based on John 14:23–31. It is one of my very favorite Bach cantatas! The work is in six movements, and scored for four vocal soloists, four-part choir, three trumpets, timpani, oboe, bassoon and a string orchestra of two…

  • J.S. Bach: Sacred Cantata: Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe, BWV 108

    BWV 108 (29 April 1725) concerns itself with Jesus’ promise of the Holy Ghost It opens with Jesus himself explaining that he has to leave to make room for his Spirit. The bass (vox Christi) sings in a beautifully quiet, stepping rhythm. In the following tenor aria the violin jumps up and down to illustrate…

  • J.S. Bach sacred cantata Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich

    This is a performance of Bach’s sacred cantata “Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich.” (BWV 17).From the protestant church Teufen in Switzerland. Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation – Rudolf Lutz conductor Soloists: Soprano: Noëmi Sohn Nad Alto: Jan Börner Tenor: Sören Richter Bass: Daniel Pérez 00:00 Bach – BWV 17, concert…

  • Bach's Coffee Cantata

    This is a performance of Bach’s secular cantata Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht / Keep quiet, don’t chatter. Which is known popularly as the “Kaffeekantate” (Coffee Cantata).  BWV 211 This performance was brought to my attention by my dear, longtime friend Professor Christina Alexandris in Athens, Greece. This work is more similar to an Italian comic…