The name of Johann Sebastian Bach is rightly considered a synonym for musical genius. His output for many centuries has been a model of excellence for generations of composers. Two cantatas by this genius will be performed by the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra conducted by Andrzej Kosendiak.
About two hundred cantatas by Bach have survived to our times – probably about half of all the cantatas he composed. Writing them was one of his professional duties, however this, instead of limiting Bach’s creative zest, stimulated him to attain superb results. The concert will start with a performance of Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis BWV 21. The title is an incipit, and its English translation reads: “In the many troubles of my heart, your consolations cheer my soul.” The words of the first chorus express melancholy and suffering that this music is imbued with. The relationship with Jesus is consolation and salvation, and the last chorus is an apotheosis of divine power. This work was probably created around 1713.
Bach was only twenty-to when he wrote Gott ist mein König BWV 71. It was premiered on 4 February 1708 in St. Mary’s Church in Mühlhausen to celebrate the election of the new city council. The mood of this work is completely different from the previous one. The translation of the first chorus is as follows: “You, God, have long been my king; you do the works of salvation on earth.” The music is triumphant, joyful, full of panache and energy.