Magnificat (Bach)

The setting of the Magnificat by Johann Sebastian Bach is from the year 1723. Was probably first performed on 2 July 1723 under number 243 in the Bach - Werke-Verzeichnis listed.

Formation

Bach composed the first version of the work in E-flat major in 1723, it was listed again in Leipzig for Christmas on December 25, 1723 enriched with four Christmas Deposit rates. Fourth deposit rate is handed down only fragmentary, but as he did in Cantata BWV 110, our mouth filled with laughter, is parodied in Theorem 5, it could be reconstructed. About seven years later, Bach left out these four sets and transposed the work to D major, in this case he changed instrumental orchestration and harmonic daring defused the 1723 version in many details.

Occupation

Voices: Soprano I / II, Alto, Tenor, Bass

Instruments: trumpet I-III, timpani, Flauto traverso I / II, Oboe and Oboe d' amore I / II, Strings, Basso continuo

Construction

Line with the custom of the late Baroque, the plant has spread the form of a cantata, the text is so on several different front sets. Deposit rates of the early version are shown indented below.

Importance

The only Magnificat setting is this work in Bach's oeuvre as unique. The individual records are unusually short. It is also noteworthy that Bach rarely requires a five-part vocal cast; the Magnificat is not alone by its Latin language, but also from the cast forth closer to the B Minor Mass as other works.