Bach
Jauchzet Gott
In 1723, J.S. Bach became the Kantor (music director) of the Lutheran churches of Leipzig. His duties there included writing the cantatas used to celebrate feast days and present some form of the scriptural text for that day. During his 27 years in Leipzig, Bach completed five cycles of cantatas–over 300 works! He composed his Cantata No. 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, around 1730. Although meant to be performed on Michaelmas Day, the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, the work’s text doesn’t match the scriptural text for the day, but is a more general glorification of God.
Unlike most of Bach’s cantatas, which were written for chorus, this work is intended for a virtuosic soprano soloist accom panied by an equally virtuosic trumpet, with orchestra. (Where Bach would have obtained such a singer in Leipzig is a puzzle, since women were not allowed to perform in church and boy sopranos often outgrew their high voices before becoming as accomplished as is necessary for this part.) The first movement, heard in today’s concert, opens with a festive statement by strings and the solo trumpet, soon joined by the soprano. Both soloists continue their duet in intricate counterpoint, praising the glory of God with joyous brilliance