J. S. Bach: 300 Years
of Cantatas in Leipzig
by Mark Peters
When J. S. Bach began his position as music director for the town of Leipzig and cantor of the Thomaskirche in May 1723, he undertook a two-year task of intensive composition of church cantatas. The goal of this project is to offer readers and listeners reflections on the Gospel reading and poetry for the cantatas of Bach’s first two years in Leipzig. The posts follow the church year 300 years after Bach first presented these cantatas in 1723-1725.
Blog Posts (newest on top)
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Cantata 83, Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde
Feast of the Purification of Mary, February 2, 1724
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Cantata 81, Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen?
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, January 30, 1724
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Cantata 61, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 1723
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Cantata 136, Erforsche mich, Gott, und erfahre mein Herz
Eighth Sunday after Trinity, July 18, 1723
Mark Peters is professor of music and director of the Center for Teaching and the Good Life at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois. He regularly provides the cantata previews for Bach Cantata Vespers at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Illinois.