Composed for the inauguration of Mühlhausen's city council in 1708, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König" holds historical significance as Bach's first printed work and only cantata published in his lifetime. Its elaborate instrumentation features polychoral writing with four spatial groups of instruments, showcasing early Baroque innovation.
Gott ist mein König (BWV 71) is Bach's earliest printed work, composed for Mühlhausen's council inauguration in 1708. Notable for its polychoral structure and festive instrumentation with trumpets, timpani, and recorders, it breaks from his later cantata conventions.
Composed for Mühlhausen city council inauguration, BWV 71 was Bach's first printed work during his lifetime, featuring elaborate polychoral instrumentation with spatial trumpet choirs and timpani.
