Permutations on genius

Almost two years ago, in June 2021, this group listened to Cantata 82, “Ich habe genug”. Its original version, performed on February 2, 1727, is in C minor, scored for bass, solo oboe, strings and continuo. Bach reused this cantata several times in the following years, since it exists in at least 4 variants. The […]

The traveling prince

During his tenure as a chamber musician and court composer in Weimar (1708 – 1717), Bach’s musical production was centered mostly around cantatas, organ and harpsichord music.   While on occasion we come across conjectures that point to the existence of chamber works or concertos dating back to this period, none have survived. His employer in […]

A somber Easter

Cantata 31 was written for Easter in 1715, during Bach’s Weimar years. It was later reused in Leipzig twice, in 1724 and 1731. Consistent with the festive occasion, it’s scored for big forces – 3 trumpets, timpani, 3 oboes (two of which can alternate with oboe d’amore), taille, bassoon, strings and continuo. The libretto is […]