Historical Context Flashcards
Where was ‘Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’ BVW 80 movement 1, 2 and 8 first performed?
A Late-Baroque work, first performed on 31st October 1730 at St Thomas’ Church in Leipzig where Bach was musical director.
What did the performance of these pieces mark?
It was composed to mark the Festival of the Reformation - the celebration of Martin Luther’s break with the Roman Catholic Church.
At what point in the festival were the pieces performed?
The Lutheran Cantata was performed before the sermon and reflected the subject of the day conveyed in the preceded reading (in this case Revelation 14, vs. 6-8).
What did this type of Cantata require?
This type of Cantata required vocal soloists, a small chorus, orchestra and continuo.
What is contained within the full Cantata?
The full Cantata is a multi-movement work, which - besides chorus, recitatives, arias and duets - includes a Chorale for congregational use.
Where is the text of movement 1, 2, 5 and 8 taken from?
The text (in German) is taken from Martin Luther’s hymn (known in English as ‘A Stronghold Sure’).
Where is the text of the remaining movements taken from?
The remaining movements are settings of texts by Salomo Franck
Which movement contains the two texts simultaneously?
In the second movement, the Chorale tune and text (Soprano) are heard alongside Franck’s poetry (Bass)
