Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"Alles, was von Gott geboren" (Everything that is born of God), BWV 80a, is a sacred cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Here are some interesting facts about this piece:
Composition Date: Bach composed "Alles, was von Gott geboren" in 1715 during his tenure as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. This position required him to compose a significant amount of music for the liturgical calendar, and this cantata was likely written for the 15th Sunday after Trinity.
Original Purpose: The cantata was originally composed for a specific occasion within the Lutheran liturgical calendar. It was intended for performance on the 15th Sunday after Trinity, a date that varies each year. The cantata is part of Bach's larger body of work written for the liturgical year.
Adaptation from Secular to Sacred: "Alles, was von Gott geboren" is an adaptation of a secular cantata (BWV 80), which Bach had composed earlier for the birthday of Christiane Eberhardine, Electress of Saxony. Bach often recycled his own music, adapting secular works into sacred ones and vice versa, to meet the demands of his position in Leipzig.
Biblical Themes: As with many of Bach's sacred compositions, the text for "Alles, was von Gott geboren" is based on biblical scripture. The librettist drew from various Bible passages, exploring themes related to divine love, faith, and the Christian journey.
Chorale Inclusion: The cantata includes a chorale, a traditional Lutheran hymn. Bach often incorporated chorales into his works, grounding his compositions in the congregational singing style of the Lutheran tradition.
Structural Features: The cantata follows the traditional structure of a Bach cantata, including opening and closing choruses, arias for solo voices, and recitatives. The diverse structure allows for a variety of musical expressions and reflections on the theological themes presented in the text.
Instrumental Ensemble: The cantata is scored for a relatively modest ensemble, typical of Bach's sacred works. It includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and continuo, with occasional additions such as oboe d'amore, which contribute to the rich and varied texture of the composition.
"Alles, was von Gott geboren" is a beautiful example of Bach's ability to adapt and repurpose his compositions for different settings, showcasing his profound musical and spiritual insights.