A Passion for Bach

Composers Datebook

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9d ago 2:00

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Synopsis

In 1723, the Leipzig Town Council appointed Johann Sebastian Bach as the new Kantor of St. Thomas Church. Despite what Bach might have felt about the workload, he apparently did like the Church: it was there that his family worshipped and 12 of his 20 children were baptized.

But Bach was responsible for music at TWO Leipzig churches: St. Thomas and St. Nikolaus Church.

In Bach’s day, St. Thomas was regarded as the lesser of the two, with St. Nikolaus Church the official venue for most important occasions, including the premiere performances of many of Bach’s sacred works. For example, it was at St. Nikolaus Church on today’s date in 1724 that Bach’s “Passion According to Saint John” was premiered.

Bach apparently intended his new Passion to be performed at St. Thomas Church, ignoring the Council’s specific request for the other venue, and changed his plans ONLY after the Council authorized more space for performers in the choir loft at St. Nikolaus—and after they repaired that church’s harpsichord.

Chalk up one victory for the cagey cantor!

Alas, Bach’s tussles with the Council didn’t end there. While posterity regards Bach’s years in Leipzig as one of the most glorious epochs in music history, it’s quite likely that both Bach AND his employers might have recalled it as one long battle of wills over matters large and small.

Music Played in Today's Program

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) — St. John Passion (Collegium Vocale; Philippe Herreweghe, cond.) Harmonia Mundi 90.1748/49

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