This chorale cantata represents Bach's mature Leipzig style, blending Lutheran hymnody with complex counterpoint. As part of his ambitious second cantata cycle, it demonstrates his systematic approach to setting traditional liturgical texts in innovative musical forms.
This cantata uniquely uses the Magnificat text instead of a Protestant hymn, reflecting its purpose for the Feast of the Visitation. The aria "Gewaltige stößt Gott vom Stuhl" exemplifies Baroque dramatic contrast with its muscular continuo writing.
This bass aria from Bach's sacred cantata BWV 10 sets Luther's German Magnificat to dramatic music. Composed for the Feast of the Visitation, it features forceful continuo accompaniment symbolizing divine power. The movement contrasts with the cantata's opening chorus through its stark texture and declamatory style.
"Er denket der Barmherzigkeit" is the fifth movement (aria/duet) from Johann Sebastian Bach's church cantata BWV 10, "Meine Seel erhebt den Herren", composed in 1724 for the Feast of the Visitation. It is a striking duet for alto and tenor with obbligato oboes and a trumpet playing the cantus firmus of the Magnificat tone. Bach himself later valued this movement highly, transcribing it for organ as one of his celebrated Schübler Chorales (BWV 648).
