Ratswechsel 1731
27 August 2023 – Bach has written no less than 27 Ratswechsel cantatas that we know of, but only 6 remain intact (1 in Mühlhausen, 5 in Leipzig), for some others we only have the lyrics. This Ratswechsel cantata was written in 1731: Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29.
Most Ratswechsel cantatas are very festive, not only because of the occasion, but also because the performance was done in front of many high officials, so all performers wanted to shine, and Bach gave them plenty opportunity to do so.
Music for today
- Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29
(first performance 27 August 1731, Leipzig period)
Extra information
The Netherlands Bach Society website (in Dutch) has more information and a performance of BWV 29:
https://bachvereniging.nl/nl/bwv/bwv-29/
Playlist
WBCF0827-Ratswechsel 1731
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Image of the day
The main hall inside the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) of Leipzig today.