List of church cantatas by liturgical occasion

The following is a list of church cantatas, sorted by the liturgical occasion for which they were composed and performed. The genre was particularly popular in 18th-century Lutheran Germany, although there are later examples.

The liturgical calendar of the German Reformation era had, without counting Reformation Day and days between Palm Sunday and Easter, 72 occasions for which a cantata could be presented. Composers such as Telemann composed cycles of church cantatas comprising all 72 occasions (e.g. Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst). Such a cycle is called an "ideal" cycle, while in any given liturgical year feast days could coincide with Sundays, and the maximum number of Sundays after Epiphany and the maximum number of Sundays after Trinity could not all occur.

In some places, of which Leipzig in Johann Sebastian Bach's time is best known, no concerted music was allowed for the three last Sundays of Advent, nor for the Sundays of Lent (apart when Annunciation fell on a Sunday in that period, or in Holy Week), so the "ideal" year cycle (German: Jahrgang) for such places comprised only 64 cantatas (or 63 without the cantata for Reformation Day).[1]

As the bulk of extant cantatas were composed for occasions occurring in the liturgical calendar of the German Reformation era, including Passion cantatas for Good Friday, that calendar is followed for the presentation of cantatas in this section. Most cantatas made reference to the content of the readings and to Lutheran hymns appropriate for the occasion. The melodies of such hymns often appeared in cantatas, for example as in the four-part settings concluding Bach's works, or as a cantus firmus in larger choral movements. Other occasions for church cantatas include weddings and funeral services. Thus below also readings and hymns associated with the occasion are listed, for the hymns for instance based on Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch.[2] Data such as readings and hymns generally apply to Bach's Leipzig: differences may occur in other places, or other times, as indicated.

Occasions of the liturgical year

[edit]
Advent
Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. Sometimes, as in Leipzig, there was a tempus clausum (silent time: no cantatas performed) for the last three Sundays of Advent.
Christmas to Epiphany
The Christmas season was celebrated from Christmas Day through Epiphany. Three days were observed for Christmas, with a Christmas cantata performed every day. The next feast days were New Year and Epiphany. Sundays may occur between the third day of Christmas and New Year and/or between New Year and Epiphany: thus the period had at least five occasions, or at most seven.
For the Christmas season of 1734–35 Bach composed the Christmas Oratorio in six parts, to be performed as the cantata in the service on the six feast days, three days of Christmas, New Year, the Sunday after New Year and Epiphany (there was no Sunday between the third day of Christmas and New Year in 1734).
Sundays after Epiphany
Depending on the date of Easter, a variable number (up to six) of Sundays occurred between Epiphany and Septuagesima, the third Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The sixth Sunday after Epiphany is extremely rare: in the first half of the 18th century cantatas for this Sunday were only composed in "ideal" cantata cycles, but for instance not by composers such as Bach and Graupner who generally only composed what was to be performed under their direction.
Pre-Lenten Season
There were three Sundays in the Pre-Lenten Season: Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima (the last one also known as Estomihi)
Lent
During Lent, the six Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter, "quiet time" was observed in Leipzig. Only the feast of Annunciation was celebrated with a cantata, even if it fell in that time. On Good Friday, a Passion was performed, in most cases rather considered an Oratorio than a cantata. In Graupner's Darmstadt there was also a cantata on Maundy Thursday.
Easter to Pentecost
Eastertide comprises the time up to Pentecost, starting with three days of Easter. There are five Sundays between Easter and Ascension. Ascension is followed by one Sunday before the three feast days of Pentecost.
The Sundays between Easter and Pentecost have Latin names, derived from the beginning of the prescribed readings. For example, the first Sunday after Easter is called Quasimodogeniti. Some sources name the Sunday after Easter the second Sunday in Easter, counting Easter Sunday as the first.
Trinity and the Sundays after Trinity
Trinity is the Sunday after Pentecost. A variable number of Sundays occurs between Trinity and the first Sunday in Advent, a maximum of 27, if Easter is extremely early.
Marian feasts
There are three Marian feast days that are usually observed in the German Reformation era: Purification on 2 February, Annunciation on 25 March and Visitation on 2 July
Feast of John the Baptist
St. John's Day was celebrated on 24 June, with cantatas written by, among others, Bach and Telemann.
Feast of St. Michael
St. Michael's Day was celebrated on 29 September with, for instance, cantatas by Bach and Telemann, but in Graupner's Darmstadt there was apparently no demand for such cantatas.
Feast of St. Stephen
St. Stephen's Day falls on 26 December, the second day of Christmas, so generally not counted as a separate occasion.
Reformation Day
Reformation Day is celebrated on 31 October and for instance Bach and Graupner wrote cantatas for the occasion. Reformation Day is however not always seen as one of the feasts of the liturgical year: for instance in Telemann's and Picander's ideal cantata cycles the feast day isn't mentioned.

Telemann's ideal cycle thus consists of four Sundays of Advent; Seven occasions from Christmas to Epiphany; Nine Sundays between Epiphany and Lent; Six Sundays of Lent; 14 occasions from Easter to Trinity; 27 Sundays after Trinity; Three Marian Feasts, St. John's Day (24 June) and Michaelmas – totalling 72 occasions for which he provided a cantata.

Graupner's church cantatas don't include the sixth Sunday after Epiphany, nor cantatas for St. John's Day or Michaelmas, however there are cantatas for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, which totals 71 occasions from GWV 1101 to 1171, with GWV 1173 indicating Reformation Day cantatas.

Libretto cycles
Several cantata libretto cycles were published in the first half of the 18th century:

First Sunday of Advent (Advent I)

[edit]
Occasion
Advent Sunday, first of the four Sundays of Advent, which are the four Sundays preceding Christmas
Readings
Romans 13:11–14, night is advanced, day will come
Matthew 21:1–9, the Entry into Jerusalem
Hymns
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" by Martin Luther (Erfurt Enchiridion, 1524) and its Latin model "Veni redemptor gentium" by Ambrose[2][5]
"Von Adam her so lange Zeit"[2][5] by Michael Weiße[6]
"Menschenkind merk eben"[2][5] by Michael Weiße[7]
"Gottes Sohn ist kommen" [de] by Michael Weiße or Johann Horn [de][2][5][8]
"Als der gütige Gott"[2] (text by Michael Weiße, hymn tune by Johann Crüger)[8]
"Mittit ad virginem" [choralwiki][2] (text by Peter Abelard)[9]
"Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott" (text by Michael Weiße, hymn tune by Johann Crüger)[5][10]
"Gott durch deine Güte"[5]
"Heilig ist Gott der Vater" [choralwiki][5]
"Gläubiges Herze, freu dich heut" by Michael Altenburg[5]
"Gott, heilger Schöpfer aller Stern" [de] and its Latin model "Conditor alme siderum"[5]
"Frohlock o Tochter Zion fast" [choralwiki][5]
"Nun jauchzet, all ihr Frommen" [de] by Michael Schirmer [de][5]
"Gott Vater uns sein Sohn fürstellt"[5]
"Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ, Daß du vom Himmel kommen bist" by Bartholomäus Helder[5][11]
"Macht hoch die Tür" by Georg Weissel (after Psalm 24:7-10)
Cantatas
Georg Böhm:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[13]
Christoph Graupner (see also List of cantatas by Christoph Graupner § GWV 1101):
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Advent I):[14]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Lasset uns ablegen die Werke der Finsternis, BR F 1 (30 November 1749, BDW 09449)

Second Sunday of Advent (Advent II)

[edit]
Occasion
Second Sunday in Advent
Readings
Romans 15:4–13, call of the Gentiles
Luke 21:25–36, coming of the Son of man
Hymns (in addition to those listed for Advent I)
"Es ist gewißlich an der zeit"[2] (text by Bartholomäus Ringwaldt)[8]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[24]
  • Huetet euch, dass eure Herzen, TWV 1:811 (1716–17 cantata cycle)
  • Endlich wird die Stunde schlagen, TWV 1:440 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1725-1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Advent II):[14]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Third Sunday of Advent (Advent III)

[edit]
Occasion
Third Sunday of Advent, a.k.a. Gaudete Sunday
Readings
1 Corinthians 4:1–5, the ministry of faithful apostles
Matthew 11:2–10, John the Baptist in prison
Hymns (in addition to those listed for Advent I)
"Helft mir Gotts Güte preisen"[2][26]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[27]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Advent III):[14]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Advent IV)

[edit]
Occasion
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Readings
Philippians 4:4–7, Be joyful in the Lord
John 1:19–28, testimony of John the Baptist
Hymns
same as for Advent III
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann[32]
  • Ihr seid alle Gottes Kinder, TWV 1:914 (1716–17 cantata cycle)
  • Lauter Wonne, lauter Freude, TWV 1:1040 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1725-1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Advent IV):[14]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Christmas (25 December)

[edit]
Occasion
Christmas (25 December)
Readings
Titus 2:11–14, God's mercy appeared (or
Isaiah 9:2–7, Unto us a child is born)
Luke 2:1–14, Nativity, Annunciation to the shepherds and the angels' song
Hymns
"Christum wir sollen loben schon" (Luther, Erfurt Enchirdion, 1524)
"Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ" (Luther, Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn, 1524)
"Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her" (Luther, 1534; melody 1539)
"Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar" (Luther, same melody as previous)
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[37]
  • Erquickendes Wunder der ewigen Gnade, TWV 1:469 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner (see also List of cantatas by Christoph Graupner § GWV 1105 and § GWV 1172):
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Christmas Day):[38][39][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • O Wunder, wer kann dieses fassen, BR F 2 (BDW 09774)
  • Ach, daß du den Himmel zerrissest, BR F 3 (BDW 09776)
  • Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe, BR F 4 (BDW 09778)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe, H 811 (1772, 1778 and 1782; BDW 02237)
  • Auf schicke dich, H 815 (1775, 1779 and 1786; BDW 02258)
Georg Anton Benda:
  • Gott steigt herab (arranged by C. P. E. Bach for performances in 1771, 1777 and 1784: BDW 10617)
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach:
  • Dessen Preis die Hirten sangen (c.1788 or later, BDW 01953)

Second Day of Christmas (26 December: Christmas 2)

[edit]
Occasion
Second day of Christmas (Boxing Day), also St. Stephen's Day; On this day Leipzig celebrated Christmas and St. Stephen's Day in alternating years, with different readings.
Readings
For Christmas (even years):
Titus 3:4–7, God's mercy appeared in Christ
Luke 2:15–20, the shepherds at the manger
for St. Stephen's Day (uneven years):
Acts 6:8–15 and 7:55–60, Martyrdom of Stephen
Matthew 23:35–39, Jerusalem killing her prophets
Hymns
See Christmas
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[45]
  • Jauchzet, frohlocket, der Himmel ist offen, TWV 1:953 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726 – cantata for St. Stephen's Day)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Second Day of Christmas):[46][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Heinrich Graun and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
  • Ich nahe mich zu deiner Krippen (C. P. E. Bach's arrangement of C. H. Graun's GraunWV Bv:IX:14; BDW 10557)

Third Day of Christmas (27 December: Christmas 3)

[edit]
Occasion
Third day of Christmas, also Feast of St. John the Evangelist
Readings
Hebrews 1:1–14, Christ is higher than the angels (Leipzig); Isaiah 9:1–6 (Hamburg)
John 1:1–14, prologue, also called Hymn to the Word
Hymns
See Christmas
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[49]
  • Unverzagt in allem Leiden, TWV 1:1456 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Third Day of Christmas):[46][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

First Sunday after Christmas (Christmas I)

[edit]
Occasion
Sunday between 27 December and 1 January, which doesn't occur every year. A.k.a. Christmas Sunday.
Readings
Galatians 4:1–7, Through Christ we are free from the law
Luke 2:33–40, Simeon and Anna with Mary in the temple
Hymns
See Christmas
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[56]
  • Was gleicht dem Adel wahrer Christen, TWV 1:1511 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Christmas I):[46]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

New Year (1 January)

[edit]
Occasion
New Year; Feast of the Circumcision of Christ
Readings
Galatians 3:23–29: by faith we inherit
Luke 2:21: circumcision of Jesus
Hymns
"Jesu, nun sei gepreiset" by Johannes Hermann
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[58]
  • Halt ein mit deinem Wetterstrahle, TWV 1:715 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Melchior Hoffmann
  • Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, previously attributed to Telemann as TWV 1:1748.[59]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § New Year's Day):[60][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Johann Friedrich Fasch:
  • Gehet zu seinen Toren ein mit Danken, FWV D:G1, FR 9/2 (1723)[65]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • Der Herr zu deiner Rechten, BR F 5 (BDW 09780)

Sunday after New Year (New Year I)

[edit]
Occasion
In some years, a Sunday falls between New Year's Day and Epiphany: it is known as the Sunday after New Year (New Year I) or as the second Sunday after Christmas (Christmas II).
Readings
1 Peter 4:12–19: suffering of Christians (Leipzig); Titus 3:4–7: God's mercy appeared in Christ (Hamburg)[28][66]
Matthew 2:13–23: the Flight into Egypt
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[67]
  • Schmeckt und sehet unsers Gottes Freundlichkeit, TWV 1:1252 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § New Year I):[60][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Epiphany (6 January)

[edit]
Occasion
Feast of the Epiphany
Readings
Isaiah 60:1–6, the heathen will convert
Matthew 2:1–12, the Wise Men From the East
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[70]
  • Ihr Völker hört, wie Gott aufs Neue spricht, TWV 1:921 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Epiphany):[71][40]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

First Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany I)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 12:1–6, the duties of a Christian
Luke 2:41–52, the finding in the Temple
Hymns
"Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ"[2]
"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot"[2]
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[74]
  • In gering- und rauhen Schalen, TWV 1:941 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Epiphany I):[71][75]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Second Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany II)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 12:6–16, we have several gifts
John 2:1–11, the Marriage at Cana
Hymns
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"[2]
"Am dritten Tag ein Hochzeit ward"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[77]
  • Ist Widerwärtigkeit den Frommen eigen?, TWV 1:948 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Epiphany II):[71]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Wir sind Gottes Werke, BR F 6 (incomplete, BDW 09782)
Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Harre auf Gott (C. P. E. Bach's expansion of a 3-movement cantata by Fasch, BDW 10534)
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Third Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany III)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 12:17–21, rules for life
Matthew 8:1–13, the healing of a leper
Hymns
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[83]
  • Warum verstellst du die Gebärden?, TWV 1:1502 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Epiphany III):[84]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany IV)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 13:8–10, love completes the law
Matthew 8:23–27, Jesus calming the storm
Hymns
"Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein"[2]
"Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält"[2]
"Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[90]
  • Hemmet den Eifer, verbannet die Rache, TWV 1:730 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Epiphany IV):[84]

Purification (2 February)

[edit]
Occasion
Candlemas or Feast of the Purification of Mary (Mariae Reinigung), a.k.a. Presentation of Jesus at the Temple: celebrated on 2 February, occurring around the fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Readings
Malachi 3:1–4, the Lord will come to his temple
Luke 2:22–32, the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, including Simeon's canticle Nunc dimittis
Hymns
"Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin"[2]
"Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener"[2]
"Nunc dimittis"[2]
"Ex legis observantia"[2]
"Heut hat Marien Kindelein"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[91]
  • Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden, TWV 1:836 (1724; a.k.a. BWV Anh. 157, BDW 01468)
  • Erscheine, Gott, in deinem Tempel, TWV 1:471 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner (see also List of cantatas by Christoph Graupner#GWV 1169):
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Purification):[92]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Johann Ernst Bach II:

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany V)

[edit]
Readings
Colossians 3:12–17
...
Hymns
"Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein"[2]
"Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[95]
  • Seid nüchtern und wachet, TWV 1:1273 (1716–17 cantata cycle)
  • Liebe, die vom Himmel stammet, TVWV 1:1044 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach:[1]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Epiphany VI)

[edit]
Readings
2 Peter 1:16–21
...
Hymns
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[97]
  • Was ist das Herz? Ein finstrer Ort, TWV 1:1516 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (Ihr Lichter jener schönen Höhen), BR F 7 (12 February 1764, BDW 09784)
Johann Sebastian Bach:[1][98]

Third Sunday before Lent (Septuagesima)

[edit]
Occasion
Septuagesima (third Sunday before Ash Wednesday)
Readings
1 Corinthians 9:24–10:5, race for victory
Matthew 20:1–16, parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Hymns
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"O Herre Gott, dein göttlich Wort"[2]
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[99]
  • Ein jeder läuft, der in den Schranken läuft, TWV 1:425 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Septuagesima):[100]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Second Sunday before Lent (Sexagesima)

[edit]
Occasion
Sexagesima (second Sunday before Ash Wednesday)
Readings
2 Corinthians 11:19–12:9, God's power is mighty in the week,
Luke 8:4–15, parable of the Sower
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[102]
  • Was ist mir doch das Rühmen nütze?, TWV 1:1521 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Sexagesima):[100]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Last Sunday before Lent (Estomihi)

[edit]
Occasion
Quinquagesima a.k.a. Quintagesima, Esto Mihi or Estomihi Sunday (last Sunday before Lent)
Readings
1 Corinthians 13:1–13, praise of love
Luke 18:31–43, Healing the blind near Jericho
Hymns
"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"[2]
"Die Propheten han propheceyt"[2]
"O wir armen Sünder"[2]
"Sündiger Mensch, schau wer du bist"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[106]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Estomihi):[107]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Legt eure Harfen hin, HoWV II.49 (BDW 08999, 11062)

First Sunday of Lent (Invocabit)

[edit]
Occasion
Quadragesima Sunday, a.k.a. Invocabit or Invocavit Sunday
Readings
2 Corinthians 6:1–10, marks of the Ministry
Matthew 4:1–11, the Temptation of Christ
Hymns
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Gott der Vater wohn uns bei"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[109]
  • Fleuch der Lüste Zauberauen, TWV 1:549 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Second Sunday of Lent (Reminiscere)

[edit]
Occasion
Reminiscere (second Sunday of Lent)
Readings
1 Thessalonians 4:1–7, plea for Purity
Matthew 17:1–9, the Transfiguration of Jesus
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein"[2]
"Gott der Vater wohn uns bei"[2]
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Johann Michael Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[111]
  • Der Reichtum macht allein beglückt, TWV 1:313 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Third Sunday of Lent (Oculi)

[edit]
Occasion
Oculi (third Sunday of Lent)
Readings
Ephesians 5:1–9, advice for a righteous life
Luke 11:14–28, casting out a devil
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein"[2]
"Gott der Vater wohn uns bei"[2]
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[113]
  • Wandelt in der Liebe, TWV 1:1498 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Oculi):[107][114]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare)

[edit]
Occasion
Laetare (fourth Sunday of Lent)
Readings
Galatians 4:21–31, two Covenants
John 6:1–15, feeding of the 5000
Hymns
"Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott"[2]
"O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht"[2]
"In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[116]
  • Du bist verflucht, o Schreckensstimme, TWV 1:385 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fifth Sunday of Lent (Judica)

[edit]
Occasion
Judica (fifth Sunday of Lent)
Readings
Hebrews 9:11–15, the Heavenly Sanctuary
John 8:46–59, last part of Jesus' debate with the Pharisees
Hymns
"Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott"[2]
"O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht"[2]
"In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[118]
  • Wer ist, der dort von Edom kömmt? TWV 1:1584 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Annunciation (25 March)

[edit]
Occasion
Annunciation (Mariae Verkündigung) is celebrated on 25 March, around Palm Sunday.
Readings
Isaiah 7:10–16, prophecy of the birth of the Messiah
Luke 1:26–38, the angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus
Hymns
"Haec est dies quam fecit Dominus"[2]
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Fit porta Christi pervia"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[120]
  • Siehe, eine Jungfrau ist schwanger, TWV 1:1326 (1716–17 cantata cycle)
  • Gott will Mensch und sterblich werden, TWV 1:694 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
  • Herr Christ der ein'ge Gottessohn, TWV 1:732 (misattributed to Bach as BWV Anh. 156, BDW 01467)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Annunciation):[92][107]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Palm Sunday

[edit]
Occasion
Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter). Apart from cantatas, Passion settings such as Johann Walter's Passio Secundum Matthæum may be performed on this day.[2]
Readings
Philippians 2:5–11, everyone be in the spirit of Christ —or— 1 Corinthians 11:23–32, of the Last Supper
Matthew 21:1–9, Entry into Jerusalem
Hymns
"Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Christus, der uns selig macht"[2]
"Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht" and its Latin version, "Christe qui lux es et dies"[2]
Hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann[123]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Palm Sunday):[107]
  • Both extant Palm Sunday cantatas by Bach (BWV 182, BWV 1) were written for Annunciation, see above, in years when Palm Sunday fell on 25 March.
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Picander
  • Machet die Thore weit (1728–29 libretto cycle: same libretto as for Advent I)

Maundy Thursday

[edit]
Occasion
Maundy Thursday
Readings
...
Hymns
"Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt"[2]
"Wir wollen singen Heut von grossen Dingen"[2]
"Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht"[2]
"Ich danke dem Herrn von ganzem Herzen"[2]
Cantatas
Christoph Graupner:

Good Friday

[edit]
Occasion
On Good Friday (sometimes indicated by its Latin name Parasceve) the Passion of Christ is commemorated. Extended Passion settings such as settings of the Brockes Passion Passion oratorio libretto, and other settings by Georg Philipp Telemann, by Johann Sebastian Bach or by his son Carl Philipp Emanuel are not usually listed as cantatas. Other Passion compositions are however sometimes indicated as Passion cantatas. Vopelius' 1682 Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch indicated Johann Walter's Passio Secundum Johannem and Jacob Handl's Ecce quomodo moritur justus motet for performance on Good Friday.
Hymns
"Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund" and other hymns related to the Passion of Christ (e.g. pp. 122–177 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch)[2]
Cantatas
Christoph Graupner:
Carl Heinrich Graun
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Passions-Cantate, H 776 (1772 or earlier, BDW 02228)

Easter

[edit]
Occasion
Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. Music for Easter is often in the format of an Oratorio, although there are many Easter cantatas too.
Readings
1 Corinthians 5:6–8, Christ is our Easter lamb
Mark 16:1–8, Resurrection
Hymns
"Also heilig ist der Tag"[2]
"Vita sanctorum, decus angelorum", and German "Der Heiligen Leben thut stets nach Gott streben"[2]
"Christ lag in Todes Banden" by Luther/Johann Walter (1524: Erfurt Enchiridion and Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn), based on "Victimae paschali laudes" (text) and "Surrexit Christus hodie" (melody)[2][125]
"Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand"[2]
"Christ ist erstanden"[2]
"Surrexit Christus hodie"[2]
"Erstanden ist der heilige Christ"[2]
"Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag"[2]
"Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn"[2]
"Gelobt sei Gott im höchsten Thron" by Michael Weiße (1531), best known in a setting by Melchior Vulpius (1609)
Other Easter hymns, e.g. pp. 272–309 in Vopelius' Neu Leipziger Gesangbuch[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[126]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann David Heinichen:
  • Es lebet Jesus unser Hort (BDW 10488)
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter Sunday):[128]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Was suchet ihr den Lebendigen bei den Toten, HoWV II.66 (BDW 09435)
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Erzittert und fallet, BR F 9 (BDW 09788)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Gott hat den Herrn auferwecket, H 803 (25 April 1756, 12 April 1757 and later; BDW 02235)
  • Sing, Volk der Christen, H 808.3 (2 April 1768, 15 April 1775 and 14 April 1781; BDW 02241)
  • Ist Christus nicht auferstanden, H 808.4 (1771, pasticcio BDW 02239 based on G. A. Benda's In Kedars bangen Hütten, Lor 534)
  • Jauchzet, frohlocket, H 804 (18 April 1778 and 15 April 1786, pasticcio BDW 02245 based on compositions by J. S. Bach, C. H. Graun and G. A. Homilius)
  • Nun danket alle Gott, H 805 (25 March 1780, BDW 02236)
  • Amen, Lob und Preis und Stärke, H 834 (19 April 1783, BDW 09484)
  • Gott, du wirst seine Seele, H 808.1 (30 March 1782, BDW 10623)
  • Anbetung dem Erbarmer, H 807 (1784 and 1788, BDW 02260)
  • Auf, mein Herz, des Herren Tag (pasticcio BDW 10584 probably realised by C. P. E. Bach; based on BWV 145, H 336.3 and TWV 1:1350)
Georg Anton Benda:
  • Er ist nicht mehr, Lor 550 (Münter year-cycle 1760–61; arranged by C. P. E. Bach for performance 15 April 1770 and 4 April 1779: BDW 10619)

Easter Monday (Easter 2)

[edit]
Occasion
Easter Monday, second day of Easter.
Readings
Acts 10:34–43, sermon of St. Peter
Luke 24:13–35, the road to Emmaus (Leipzig); Mark 16, the empty tomb, resurrection appearances and ascension of Jesus (Hamburg)
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[132]
  • Triumphierender Versöhner, tritt aus deiner Kluft hervor, TWV 1:1422 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann David Heinichen:
  • Einsamkeit, o stilles Wesen (BDW 09135)
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter Monday):[133]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Picander
  • Ich bin ein Pilgrim auf der Welt (1728–29 libretto cycle; fragment of a setting of this libretto by J. S. or C. P. E. Bach is known as BWV Anh. 190, BDW 01501)
Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Musste nicht Christus solches leiden, HoWV II.72 (BDW 08996)

Easter Tuesday (Easter 3)

[edit]
Readings
Acts 13:26–33, sermon of St. Paul in Antiochia (Leipzig); 1 Corinthians 15:50–58, resurrection of the body, "O death where is thy sting?" (Hamburg)
Luke 24:36–47, the appearance of Jesus to the Apostles in Jerusalem
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[138]
  • Jauchzt, ihr Christen, seid vergnügt, TWV 1:955 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter Tuesday):[133]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Lobsinget dem Heiland, HoWV II.74 (three reworked versions by C. P. E. Bach: 5 April 1768, 11 April 1773 and 19 April 1778; BDW 08981 and 11057)

First Sunday after Easter (Quasimodogeniti)

[edit]
Occasion
Quasimodogeniti Sunday, the second Sunday of Eastertide, or the first Sunday after Easter.
Readings
1 John 5:4–10, our faith is the victory (Leipzig); 1 John 5:1–13, obedience by Faith, the Certainty of God’s Witness (Hamburg)
John 20:19–31, the appearance of Jesus to the Disciples, first without then with Thomas, in Jerusalem
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[140]
  • Auf ehernen Mauern ruht unsrer Hoffnung Zuversicht, TWV 1:96 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter I):[141]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Second Sunday after Easter (Misericordias Domini)

[edit]
Occasion
Misericordia Sunday, a.k.a. Misericordias Domini, the third Sunday of Eastertide, or the second Sunday after Easter.
Readings
1 Peter 2:21–25, Christ as a model
John 10:11–16, the Good Shepherd
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[143]
  • Hirt' und Bischof uns'rer Seelen, TWV 1:804b (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter II):[141]
Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Uns schützet Israels Gott, HoWV II.78 (BDW 09001 and 11059)
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Third Sunday after Easter (Jubilate)

[edit]
Occasion
Jubilate Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, or the third Sunday after Easter.
Readings
1 Peter 2:11–20, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man"
John 16:16–23, Farewell Discourse, announcement of the Second Coming
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[145]
  • Dies ist der Gotteskinder Last, TWV 1:356 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter III):[141]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fourth Sunday after Easter (Cantate)

[edit]
Occasion
Cantate Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Eastertide, or the fourth Sunday after Easter.
Readings
James 1:17–21, "Every good gift comes from the Father of lights"
John 16:5–15, Farewell Discourse, announcement of Comforter
Hymns
See Easter
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[147]
  • Ew'ge Quelle, milder Strom, TWV 1:546 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter IV):[148]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fifth Sunday after Easter (Rogate)

[edit]
Occasion
Rogation Sunday, a.k.a. Prayer Sunday, is the sixth Sunday of Eastertide, or the fifth Sunday after Easter. It is the last Sunday before Ascension: the three days between Rogate Sunday and Ascension are known as rogation days.
Readings
James 1:22–27, doers of the word, not only listeners
John 16:23–30, Farewell Discourse, prayers will be fulfilled
Hymns
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[151]
  • Deine Toten werden leben, TWV 1:213 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726) – the cantata libretto is based on Isaiah 26:19
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Easter V):[148]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Ascension

[edit]
Occasion
Feast of the Ascension, which falls on a Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter.
Readings
Acts 1:1–11, prologue, farewell and Ascension
Mark 16:14–20, Ascension
Hymns
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
"Christ fuhr gen Himmel"[2]
"Nun begehn wir das Fest", and Latin model "Festum nunc celebre"[2]
"Nun freut euch, Gottes Kinder all"[2]
"Gen Himmel aufgefahren ist", and Latin model "Coelos ascendit hodie"[2]
"Christus ist heut gen Himmel gefahren", and Latin model "Ascendit Christus hodie"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[154]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Ascension):[148]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen, BR F 11 (BDW 09790)
  • Wo geht die Lebensreise hin? BR F 12 (BDW 09792)
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach:
  • Groß und mächtig, stark und prächtig, Wf XIV/8 (two versions: BDW 02208 and 02209)

Sunday after Ascension (Exaudi)

[edit]
Occasion
Exaudi, the Sunday after Ascension, is the seventh Sunday of Eastertide, or the sixth Sunday after Easter, a week before Pentecost
Readings
1 Peter 4:8–11, "serve each other"
John 15:26–16:4, Farewell Discourse, the promise of the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth, and announcement of persecution (Leipzig); Matthew 20:1–16, Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Hamburg)
Hymns
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält"[2]
"Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit"[2]
"Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[157]
  • Erwachet, entreißt euch den sündlichen Träumen, TWV 1:480 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Ascension I):[148]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Pentecost

[edit]
Occasion
Pentecost (German: Pfingsten), a.k.a. Whitsun, Whit Sunday, or the first day of Pentecost (German: 1. Pfingsttag).
Readings
Acts 2:1–13, the Holy Spirit
John 14:23–31, Farewell Discourse, announcement of the Spirit who will teach
Hymns
"Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott"[2]
"Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist", and Latin model "Veni Creator Spiritus"[2]
"Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist"[2]
"Als Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn"[2]
"O Heiliger Geist, o heiliger Gott"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[160]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Pentecost Sunday):[161]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BR F 12 (W. F. Bach premiered this cantata 12 May 1746, together with a repeat performance of his father's BWV 34, as the start of his tenure in Halle; BDW 09795)
  • Dies ist der Tag, da Jesu Leidenskraft, BR F 13 (1755–58?, BDW 09797)
  • Ertönt, ihr seligen Völker, BR F 14 (based on earlier compositions, BDW 08146)
  • Ach, daß du den Himmel zerrissest, BR F 16 (parody of BR F 3/F 93: BDW 09799)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • Lasset uns ablegen die Werke der Finsternis (6 June 1772 and 22 May 1779: C. P. E. Bach's reworking of W. F. Bach's BR F 1 as a cantata for Pentecost; BDW 10636)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Gottfried August Homilius:
  • Herr, lehr uns tun, H 817 (13 May 1769 and 26 May 1787: pasticcio by C. P. E. Bach involving his own earlier work and a composition by Homilius; BDW 02247)
  • Ihr waret weiland Finsternis (pasticcio realised in 1787? by C. P. E. Bach, based on several compositions by Homilius; BDW 10642)
  • Nun ist er da (pasticcio realised in 1788 by C. P. E. Bach, based on several compositions by Homilius; BDW 10640)
Johann Friedrich Doles (see also Picander cycle of 1728–29 § Reception):
  • Raset und brauset ihr hefftigen Winde (1740)[167]

Pentecost Monday (Pentecost 2)

[edit]
Occasion
Pentecost Monday (German: Pfingstmontag), a.k.a. Whit Monday or the second day of Pentecost (German: 2. Pfingsttag)
Readings
Acts 10:42–48, sermon of Peter for Cornelius
John 3:16–21, "God loved the world so much ..." from the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus
Hymns
See Pentecost
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[168]
  • Schmückt das frohe Fest mit Maien, TWV 1:1256 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Pentecost Monday):[169]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Pentecost Tuesday (Pentecost 3)

[edit]
Occasion
Pentecost Tuesday, a.k.a. Whit Tuesday or the third day of Pentecost (German: 3. Pfingsttag)
Readings
Acts 8:14–17, the Holy Spirit in Samaria
John 10:1–10, the Good Shepherd
Hymns
See Pentecost
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[172]
  • Ergeuß dich zur Salbung der schmachtenden Seele, TWV 1:448 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Pentecost Tuesday):[169]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Trinity

[edit]
Occasion
Trinity Sunday, last of the feasts tied to the date of Easter, is the last Sunday before the time after Trinity, or the first Sunday of the time after Pentecost.
Readings
Romans 11:33–36, depth of wisdom
John 3:1–15, the meeting of Jesus and Nicodemus
Hymns
"Gott der Vater wohn uns bei"[2]
"Der du bist drei in Einigkeit", and Latin model "O lux beata Trinitas"[2]
"Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[175]
  • Unbegreiflich ist dein Wesen, TWV 1:1745 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity):[176]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

First Sunday after Trinity (Trinity I)

[edit]
Readings
1 John 4:16–21, God is Love
Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus
Hymns
"Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl"[2] ("The Mouth of Fools May Say Indeed"),[182] Luther's version of Psalm 14, sung to a melody by J. Walter (Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn 1524, Zahn No. 4436)[8][183]
"Weltlich Ehr und zeitlich Gut"[2] by Michael Weiße, melody by Valentin Triller (Zahn no. 4972, 4975)[8][184]
"Es war einmal ein reicher Mann"[2]
"Ach Gott thu dich erbarmen"[2]
"Kommt her zu mir spricht Gottes Sohn"[2]
Cantatas
Philipp Heinrich Erlebach
Georg Philipp Telemann:[185]
  • Verlöschet, ihr Funken der irdischen Liebe, TWV 1:1471 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity I):[176]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Second Sunday after Trinity (Trinity II)

[edit]
Readings
1 John 3:13–18: whoever doesn't love, remains in Death
Luke 14:16–24: parable of the great banquet
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein"[2] (Luther, first published in Achtliederbuch 1724)
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"[2]
"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"[2]
"Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[187]
  • Stille die Tränen des winselnden Armen, TWV 1:1401 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity II):[188]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

St. John's Day (24 June)

[edit]
Occasion
The Feast of John the Baptist (Johannistag), remembering the birth of John the Baptist, is celebrated on 24 June, around the third Sunday after Trinity.
Readings
Isaiah 40:1–5, the voice of a preacher in the desert
Luke 1:57–80, the birth of John the Baptist and the Benedictus of Zechariah
Hymns
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Gelobet sei der Herr der Gott Israel" and Latin model "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel"[2]
"Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[192]
Johann Sebastian Bach:[194]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Es ist eine Stimme eines Predigers, BR F 16 (BDW 09801)
Johann Gottlieb Goldberg:
  • Durch die herzliche Barmherzigkeit (1745–46, BDW 09155)

Third Sunday after Trinity (Trinity III)

[edit]
Readings
1 Peter 5:6–11, Cast thy burden upon the Lord
Luke 15:1–10, parable of the Lost Sheep and parable of the Lost Coin
Hymns
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"Wo soll ich fliehen hin"[2]
"O Herre Gott, begnade mich"[2]
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[198]
  • Wer sehnet sich nach Kerker, Stein und Ketten, TWV 1:1594 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity III):[188]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fourth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity IV)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 8:18–23, "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."
Luke 6:36–42, Sermon on the Mount: be merciful, judge not
Hymns
"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot"[2]
"Mensch, willst du leben seliglich"[2]
"O Mensch wiltu vor Gott bestahn"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[203]
  • Ihr seligen Stunden erquickender Freude, TWV 1:917 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity IV):[204]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Fifth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity V)

[edit]
Readings
1 Peter 3:8–15 "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts"
Luke 5:1–11, Peter's great catch of fish
Hymns
"Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[207]
  • Begnadigte Seelen gesegneter Christen, TWV 1:119 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity V):[204]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Visitation (2 July)

[edit]
Occasion
Feast of Visitation, celebrated on 2 July (around the sixth Sunday after Trinity)
Readings
Isaiah 11:1–5, prophecy of the Messiah
Luke 1:39–56, Mary, pregnant of Jesus, visits Elizabeth, pregnant of John the Baptist – includes Mary's song of praise, Magnificat, Luke 1:46–55
Hymns and canticles
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Meine Seele erhebt den Herren" and Latin model "Magnificat anima mea Dominum"[2]
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
Cantatas, including Magnificat settings performed as Visitation cantata
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[210]
  • Gottlob, die Frucht hat sich gezeiget, TWV 1:670 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, Hamburg 1726)
  • Meine Seele erhebt den Herrn, TWV 1:1104, 1:1107 and 1:1108
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Visitation):[39][92]
Melchior Hoffmann (formerly attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach):
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach:
  • Der Herr wird mit Gerechtigkeit, BR F 18 (BDW 09803)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Meine Seele erhebt den Herrn (1768, BDW 02246)

Sixth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity VI)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 6:3–11, "By Christ's death we are dead for sin"
Matthew 5:20–26, Sermon on the Mount: better justice
Hymns
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"[2]
"Mensch, willst du leben seliglich"[2]
"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[214]
  • Ich bin getauft in Christi Tode, TWV 1:820 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity VI):[204]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Seventh Sunday after Trinity (Trinity VII)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 6:19–23, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life"
Mark 8:1–9, The Feeding of the 4000
Hymns
"Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz"[2]
"Wohl dem, der in Gottesfurcht steht"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[217]
  • Wenn Israel am Nilusstrande, TWV 1:1562 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity VII):[114]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Heinrich Graun and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
  • Der Himmel allenthalben (C. P. E. Bach's 1774 parody of C. H. Graun's GraunWV B:VIII:1; BDW 02240)
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Verhängnis, dein Wüten entkräftet die Armen, BR F 22 (24 July 1757, BDW 09447)

Eighth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity VIII)

[edit]
Readings
Romans 8:12–17, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God"
Matthew 7:15–23, Sermon on the Mount: warning of false prophets
Hymns
"Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"O Herre Gott, dein göttlich Wort"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[220]
  • Weicht, ihr Sünden, bleibt dahinten, TWV 1:1538 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity VIII):[114]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Zeige du mir deine Wege, H 832 (incomplete, BDW 02248)

Ninth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity IX)

[edit]
Readings
1 Corinthians 10:6–13, warning of false gods, consolation in temptation
Luke 16:1–9, parable of the Unjust Steward
Hymns
"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"[2]
"Menschenkind, merk eben"[2]
"Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl"[2]
"Weltlich Ehr und zeitlich Gut"[2]
"Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[225]
  • Das Wetter rührt mit Strahl und Blitzen, TWV 1:199 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity IX):[226]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Tenth Sunday after Trinity (Trinity X)

[edit]
Readings
1 Corinthians 12:1–11, different gifts, but one spirit
Luke 19:41–48, Jesus announces the destruction of Jerusalem, Cleansing of the Temple
Hymns
"An Wasserflüssen Babylon"[2]
"Ach lieben Christen seid getrost"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[231]
  • Kein Vogel kann im weiten Fliegen, TWV 1:994 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity X):[226]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
  • Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein (Heraus, verblendender Hochmut), BR F 18 (BDW 09805)

11th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XI)

[edit]
Readings
1 Corinthians 15:1–10, on the gospel of Christ and his (Paul's) duty as an apostle
Luke 18:9–14, parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Hymns
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"O Herre Gott, begnade mich"[2]
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[234]
  • Durchsuche dich, o stolzer Geist, TWV 1:399 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XI):[235]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

12th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XII)

[edit]
Readings
2 Corinthians 3:4–11, the ministration of the Spirit
Mark 7:31–37, the healing of a deaf mute man
Hymns
"Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren"[2]
"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"[2]
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
"Herr Gott, dich loben wir"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[239]
  • Ihr, deren Leben mit banger Finsternis umgeben, TWV 1:897 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XII):[235]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

13th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XIII)

[edit]
Readings
Galatians 3:15–22, law and promise
Luke 10:23–37, parable of the Good Samaritan
Hymns
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot"[2]
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
"O Herre Gott, begnade mich"[2]
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
Cantatas
Johann Ludwig Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[243]
  • Deines neuen Bundes Gnade, TWV 1:212 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XIII):[244]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Wer meine Gebote hat (C. P. E. Bach's reworking of a cantata by Fasch, BDW 10574)

14th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XIV)

[edit]
Readings
Galatians 5:16–24, works of the flesh, fruit of the Spirit
Luke 17:11–19, Cleansing ten lepers
Hymns
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt"[2]
"Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Ich danke dem Herrn von ganzem Herzen"[2]
"Fröhlich wollen wir Alleluja singen"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[249]
  • Schau nach Sodom nicht zurücke, TWV 1:1243 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XIV):[244]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

15th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XV)

[edit]
Readings
Galatians 5:25–6:10, admonition to "walk in the Spirit"
Matthew 6:23–34, Sermon on the Mount: do not worry about material needs, but seek God's kingdom first
Hymns
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz"[2]
"Verzage nicht, o frommer Christ"[2]
"Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[251]
  • Trifft menschlich und voll Fehler sein die meiste zeit zusammen, TWV 1:1417 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XV):[252]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

16th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XVI)

[edit]
Readings
Ephesians 3:13–21, Paul praying for the strengthening of faith in the congregation of Ephesus
Luke 7:11–17, Raising of the Young man from Nain
Hymns
"Mitten wir im Leben sind"[2]
"Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[256]
  • Die stärkende Wirkung des Geistes, TWV 1:363 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XVI):[257]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Der Gerechte, ob er gleich zu zeitlich stirbt, H 818 (27 November 1774: pasticcio with movements by Johann Christoph Bach and G. A. Benda, BDW 08590)
Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Die mit Tränen säen (C. P. E. Bach's reworking of a cantata by Fasch, BDW 10769)

17th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XVII)

[edit]
Readings
Ephesians 4:1–6, admonition to keep the unity of the Spirit
Luke 14:1–11, Healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath
Hymns
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
"Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält"[2]
Cantatas
Heinrich Bach:
Georg Philipp Telemann:[260]
  • Umschlinget uns, ihr sanften Friedensbande, TWV 1:1426 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
  • Erwäg', o Mensch, TWV 1:487 b (Fortsetzung des Harmonischen Gottes-Dienstes, 1732)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XVII):[257]

St. Michael's Day (29 September)

[edit]
Occasion
St. Michael's Day, a.k.a. Michaelmas (German: Michaelisfest) is celebrated on 29 September, around the 17th Sunday after Trinity.
Readings
Revelation 12:7–12, fight of Michael with the dragon
Matthew 18:1–11, heaven belongs to the children, the angels see the face of God
Hymns
"Dicimus grates tibi" and German derivatives "Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir" and "Laßt uns von Herzen danken Gott dem Herren"[2]
"Es stehn für Gottes Throne"[2]
"Fürst und Herr der starken Helden"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[261]
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § St. Michael's Day):[262]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • Den Engeln gleich, H 809 (1769 and 1774, BDW 02238)
  • Es erhub sich ein Streit (1770, 1776 and 1781, pasticcios involving J. S. Bach's BWV 19 and G. A. Benda's L 597 and 544, BDW 10303)
  • Ich will den Namen des Herrn preisen, H 810 (1772, 1777, 1782 and 1786, pasticcio involving G. A. Benda's L 603, BDW 02243)
  • Siehe, ich begehre deiner Befehle, H 812 (1775, BDW 02242)
  • Wenn Christus seine Kirche schützt (1778 and 1784, pasticcio involving J. C. F. Bach's Wf XIV/6 and music by G. A. Benda, BDW 01914)
  • Der Frevler mag die Wahrheit schmähn, H 814 (1785, pasticcio involving a movement of J. C. F. Bach's Wf XIV/5, BDW 02244)
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach:
  • Wie wird uns werden, Wf XIV/5 (1771, BDW 01917)

18th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XVIII)

[edit]
Readings
1 Corinthians 1:4–8, Paul's thanks for grace of God in Ephesus
Matthew 22:34–46, the Great Commandment
Hymns
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot"[2]
"Es ist das Heil uns kommen her"[2]
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[266]
  • Ich schaue bloß auf Gottes Güte, TWV 1:859 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XVIII):[267]

19th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XIX)

[edit]
Readings
Ephesians 4:22–28, "put on the new man, which after God is created"
Matthew 9:1–8, Healing the paralytic at Capernaum
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not laßt uns zu Gott"[2]
"O Herre Gott, begnade mich"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[268]
  • Es ist ein schlechter Ruhm, TWV 1:506 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XIX):[267]

20th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XX)

[edit]
Readings
Ephesians 5:15–21, "walk circumspectly, ... filled with the Spirit"
Matthew 22:1–14, parable of the great banquet
Hymns
"Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein"[2]
"Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl"[2]
"Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält"[2]
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"[2]
"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"[2]
"Fröhlich wollen wir Alleluja singen"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[269]
  • Die Ehre des herrlichen Schöpfers zu melden, TWV 1:334 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XX):[270]
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach:
  • In deinem Schmuck gehen der Könige Töchter, H 818.5 (pasticcio, BDW 09597)

21st Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXI)

[edit]
Readings
Ephesians 6:10–17, "take unto you the whole armour of God"
John 4:46–54, healing the nobleman's son
Hymns
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn"[2]
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[271]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXI):[270]

22nd Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXII)

[edit]
Readings
Philippians 1:3–11, Thanks and prayer for the congregation in Philippi
Matthew 18:23–35, parable of the unforgiving servant
Hymns
"Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott"[2]
"O Herre Gott, begnade mich"[2]
"Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir"[2]
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[272]
  • Erhalte mich, o Herr, in deinem Werke, TWV 1:449 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXII):[273]
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel:[15]

Reformation Day (31 October)

[edit]
Occasion
Reformation Day is celebrated on 31 October, around a month before the end of the liturgical year.
Readings
2 Thessalonians 2:3–8, be steadfast against adversaries
Revelation 14:6–8, fear God and honour him
Cantatas
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Reformation Day):[275]

23rd Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXIII)

[edit]
Readings
Philippians 3:17–21, "our conversation is in heaven"
Matthew 22:15–22, the question about paying taxes, answered by Render unto Caesar...
Hymns
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält"[2]
"Wer nicht sitzt im Gottlosen Rat"[2]
"Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[276]
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXIII):[273]

24th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXIV)

[edit]
Readings
Colossians 1:9–14, prayer for the Colossians
Matthew 9:18–26, the story of Jairus' daughter
Hymns
"Mitten wir im Leben sind"[2]
"Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott"[2]
"Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ"[2]
"Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser lebt"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[277]
  • Beglückte Zeit, die uns des Wortes Licht, TWV 1:118 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXIV):[278]

25th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXV)

[edit]
Readings
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, the coming of the Lord
Matthew 24:25–28, the Tribulation
Hymns
"Vater unser im Himmelreich"[2]
"Es wird schier der letzte Tag herkommen"[2]
"Gott hat das Evangelium"[2]
"Ach Gott thu dich erbarmen"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[279]
  • Ein zartes Kind hat nirgends größ're Lust, TWV 1:436 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXV):[278]

26th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXVI)

[edit]
Readings
2 Peter 3:3–13, look for new heavens and a new earth
Matthew 25:31–46, the Second Coming of Christ
Hymns
"Es wird schier der letzte Tag herkommen"[2]
"Es ist gewißlich an der Zeit"[2]
"Gott der Vater wohn uns bei"[2]
"Kommt her zu mir spricht Gottes Sohn"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[280]
  • Glaubet, hoffet, leidet, duldet, TWV 1:626 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXVI):[278]

27th Sunday after Trinity (Trinity XXVII)

[edit]
Readings
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, be prepared for the day of the Lord
Matthew 25:1–13, parable of the Ten Virgins
Hymns
"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"[2]
"Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein"[2]
"Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"[2]
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"[2]
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[281]
  • Daß Herz und Sinn, o schwacher Mensch, TWV 1:194 (Harmonischer Gottes-Dienst, 1726)
Christoph Graupner:
Johann Sebastian Bach (see also Church cantata (Bach) § Trinity XXVII):[278]

Other occasions

[edit]

Consecration of church and/or organ

[edit]
Readings
Revelation 21:2–8, the new Jerusalem
Luke 19:1–10, conversion of Zacchaeus
Cantatas
Georg Philipp Telemann:[282]
Johann Sebastian Bach:[275]

New council

[edit]

The election or inauguration of a new town council was celebrated with a service. Normally this was an annual event. The cantata written for such celebrations were indicated with the term "Ratswechsel" (changing of the council) or "Ratswahl" (election of the council).

Cantatas
Johann Michael Bach:
Johann Sebastian Bach:[283]

200th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

[edit]

25 June 1730 was 200 years after the Augsburg Confession. In Leipzig the occasion was remembered by a three-day festival. Picander wrote three cantata librettos (later published in Ernst-Schertzhaffte und Satyrische Gedichte, Vol. III, 1732), one for each day of the celebration.[284] Johann Sebastian Bach set these librettos. The music of these settings is however largely lost:[285]

  1. Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 190a (25 June 1730, BDW 00231 – music lost but presumably borrowed from movements 1, 2, 3 and 5 of BWV 190)
  2. Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120b (26 June 1730, BDW 00147 – music lost but partially reconstructable from BWV 120, 120a, 232II/9 and 1019a)
  3. Wünschet Jerusalem Glück, BWV Anh. 4a (27 June 1730, BDW 01312 – music lost, probably based on the —equally lost— cantata BWV Anh. 4)

Wedding

[edit]

Music for weddings includes sacred cantatas for wedding ceremonies and secular cantatas for wedding celebrations. Telemann's music for weddings includes wedding anniversary cantatas.[286] BWV 202, 210 and 216 are examples of secular cantatas for weddings by J. S. Bach.[287]

Sacred cantatas for weddings
Johann Christoph Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach:[288]

Anniversary

[edit]

Christoph Graupner:

Georg Christoph Bach:

Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel wrote birthday cantatas for his employer, Frederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg:[15][289][290]

Funeral

[edit]

Georg Philipp Telemann wrote cantatas for funerals.[297]

Christoph Graupner:

In addition to funeral motets (e.g. BWV 118) and secular cantatas for memorial services (e.g. BWV 198) Johann Sebastian Bach wrote church cantatas for funerals:[285]