Why did Bach compose his monumental Mass in B minor for a Lutheran court? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B minor, BWV 232, is considered one of the greatest choral works of all time. Composed largely in the last years of his life (1748-1749), it represents a synthesis of his compositional art. Unlike typical Lutheran masses which set only Kyrie and Gloria, Bach created a complete Catholic Mass (Missa tota), possibly intended for the dedication of Dresden's new Catholic Hofkirche. The "Et in Spiritum Sanctum Dominum" is a beautiful bass aria from the Credo section, characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and intricate counterpoint, originally scored for solo bass, two oboes d'amore, and continuo.