WHICH BACH
CANTATA TODAY?

Autograph Manuscript of the opening chorus from the cantata Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben, BWV 77.  

All cantata days

This page contains the complete overview of all cantata days that I publish on the site, with their cantatas (or other music) listed. Click on the title to go to a cantata detail page with playlist information and much more.

If you are interested in how to calculate a cantata day calendar, or if you're looking for complete calendars up to 2037, have a look my cantata day resources.

As explained here a Bach year is composed of variable (liturgical) days (based on Christmas or Easter), and a number of fixed dates (same date each year), and those can be liturgical (like Christmas or Visitation), and many are non-liturgical.

Variable cantata days

Variable cantata days start with Advent I, the first day in the liturgical calendar, and are sorted according to occurrence. Variable cantata days are all part of the liturgical calendar.

Watercolour painting by Felix Mendelssohn of the Thomaskantorei in Leipzig, 1838. I was thrilled to find this painting, because of course it is thanks to Mendelssohn among others that Bach was rediscovered in the 19th century, beginning with Mendelssohn conducting the Mattheaus Passion in 1829.

Advent I or Levavi

WBC01 - The 4th Sunday before Christmas. Liturgical period : Advent.
  • Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61 (first performance 2 December 1714, Weimar period)
  • Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62 (first performance 3 December 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36 (first performance 2 December 1731, final version, Leipzig period)
View of the Weimar Stadtschloss. Several Bach cantatas were premiered in the church of the schloss.

Advent II or Populus Sion

WBC02 - The 3rd Sunday before Christmas. Liturgical period : Advent.
  • Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!, BWV 70a (first performance 6 December 1716, expanded in 1723 to BWV 170 for Trinity XXVI, Weimar period)
  • Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 (first performance 25 November 1731, Leipzig period)
A reconstruction of the Bach familiy house in Weimar as it may have looked in his lifetime (view from the east). Don't try to look for the house on a visit to the city, because it is now... a parking lot. Visualisation done by the Hummel architecture office in 2011.

Advent III or Gaudete

WBC03 - The 2nd Sunday before Christmas. Liturgical period : Advent.
  • Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht, BWV 186a (first performance 13 December 1716, expanded in 1723 to BWV 186 for Trinity VII, Weimar period)
The title page of the original manuscript of Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn, BWV 132, from 1715.

Advent IV or Rorate

WBC04 - The 1st Sunday before Christmas. Liturgical period : Advent.
  • Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn!, BWV 132 (first performance 22 December 1715, Weimar period)
  • Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147a (first performance 20 December 1716, expanded in 1723 to BWV 147 for Visitation, Weimar period)
The Holy Family, a painting from around 1480/1490 by Martin Schongauer (around 1440/45 Colmar - 1491 Breisach), Kunsthistorischen Museum Wien (Vienna). Painting suggested to me by website subscriber Jennifer.

Sunday after Christmas

WBC08 - The 1st Sunday after Christmas, but only if New Year does not fall on that same Sunday. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Tritt auf die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152 (first performance 30 December 1714, Weimar period)
  • Das neugeborne Kindelein, BWV 122 (first performance 31 December 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Gottlob! nun geht das Jahr zu Ende, BWV 28 (first performance 30 December 1725, Leipzig period)
The journey of the Three Magi, carrying gold, frankincense and myrrh, following the star in the right hand corner. Mosaic in the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy, from the 6th century.

First Sunday after New Year

WBC10 - The 1st Sunday after New Year, but only if it occurs before Epiphany (January 6th) (occurs 4 years out of 7). Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind, BWV 153 (first performance 2 January 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid, BWV 58 (first performance 5 January 1727, Leipzig period)
  • Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen, BWV 248 (first performance 2 January 1735 - Christmas Oratorio Part V, Leipzig period)
A picture of the Thomanerchor in the Thomas Kirche, with the previous Thomaskantor, Gotthold Schwarz, appointed in 2016. On September 11, 2021, the new Thomaskantor, Andreas Reize, was appointed.

Epiphany I

WBC12 - The 1st Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th). Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Mein liebster Jesus ist verloren, BWV 154 (first performance 9 January 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht, BWV 124 (first performance 7 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen, BWV 32 (first performance 13 January 1726, Leipzig period)
The Wedding Feast at Cana (1563) by Paolo Veronese (1528–1588). This magnificent large painting hangs in the Louvre opposite the Mona Lisa, so it's a pity that very many visitors do not pay it the attention it deserves. The wedding at Cana is the inspiration for the libretto for Mein Gott, wie lang, ach lange?, BWV 155, and Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen, BWV 13.

Epiphany II

WBC13 - The 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th). Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Mein Gott, wie lang, ach lange?, BWV 155 (first performance 19 January 1716, Weimar period)
  • Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid, BWV 3 (first performance 14 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen, BWV 13 (first performance 20 January 1726, Leipzig period)
Memorial plaque in the Burgplatz in Leipzig for Christian Friedrich Henrici (January 14, 1700 – May 10, 1764), writing under his pen name Picander, author of the libretti of many Bach cantatas, including the Matthaeus Passion and the Coffee Cantata.

Epiphany III

WBC14 - The 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th). Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Herr, wie du willt, so schicks mit mir, BWV 73 (first performance 23 January 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, BWV 111 (first performance 21 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Alles nur nach Gottes Willen, BWV 72 (first performance 27 January 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe, BWV 156 (first performance ?23 January 1729, Leipzig period)
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), subject of the libretti for the cantatas on Epiphany IV, BWV 81 and 14. It is Rembrandt's only known seascape. This painting was stolen in 1980 from a Boston museum, along with 12 others including a Vermeer, and remains lost.

Epiphany IV

WBC15 - The 4th Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th), but only if it occurs before Septuagesima, the 70th day before Easter. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen?, BWV 81 (first performance 30 January 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit, BWV 14 (first performance 30 January 1735, Leipzig period)
Johann Ludwig Bach (1677-1731), third cousin of Johann Sebastian. During his tenure as Thomaskantor in Leipzig, JS Bach performed several of Johann Ludwig's cantatas.

Epiphany V

WBC16 - The 5th Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th), but only if it occurs before Septuagesima, the 70th day before Easter. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Der Herr wird ein Neues im Lande, JLB 13 (first performance 2 July 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Die Weisheit kömmt nicht, JLB 14 (first performance 19 May 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Ich will meinen Geist, JLB 7 (first performance 28 July 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden, BWV 1083 (first performance ? 1745–1747, Leipzig period)
The parable of the workers in the vineyard by Austrian painter Johann Christian Brand (1722-1795).

Septuagesima - Third Sunday before Ash Wednesday

WBC17 - The 70th day before Easter. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin, BWV 144 (first performance 6 February 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich hab in Gottes Herz und Sinn, BWV 92 (first performance 28 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84 (first performance 9 February 1727, Leipzig period)
A view of the Herderplatz in Weimar from the southeast (etching by L. Oeder, 1840). The church of Saint-Paul and Saint-Peter, also known as the Herderkirche, saw the premieres of several Bach cantatas. John Eliot Gardiner suggests that Bach cantatas using a festive orchestra were first performed there, including his first cantata for Christmas, Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63 and Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret, BWV 31 for the Easter Sunday of 1715, scored for soloists, a five-part choir and three instrumental groups. Bach frequently played the organ, and two of his sons were baptized in the church.

Sexagesima

WBC18 - The 60th day before Easter. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18 (first performance 19 February 1713?, Weimar period)
  • Leichtgesinnte Flattergeister, BWV 181 (first performance 13 February 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BWV 126 (first performance 4 February 1725, Leipzig period)
The statue of Johann Sebastian Bach next to the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. When Bach came to Leipzig to audition for the position as Thomaskantor, he could not have imagined that many centuries later a statue would be erected for him outside the church.

Quinquagesima or Estomihi

WBC19 - The 50th day before Easter. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22 (first performance 7 February 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn, BWV 23 (first performance 7 February 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Herr Jesu Christ, wahr' Mensch und Gott, BWV 127 (first performance 11 February 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Sehet, wir gehn hinauf gen Jerusalem, BWV 159 (first performance ? 27 February 1729, Leipzig period)
Woodcarving print based on an aquarel by Eduard Bendemann (1850) of the monument for Bach in Leipzig, erected by Felix Mendelssohn in 1843. It may very well be the only example of a monument erected by a composer to honour another.

1st Sunday of Lent or Invocabit

WBC20 - The 1st Sunday of Lent, 1st Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 (first performance ? 1707–08, Mühlhausen period)
  • Dem Gerechten muß das Licht, BWV 195 (first performance 1727–31?, Leipzig period)
  • Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 100 (first performance ? 1732–1735, Leipzig period)
Hommage to Bach, a painting by French Fauvist painter Raoul Dufy (1877-1953). Dufy has made several paintings honouring classical composers.

2nd Sunday of Lent or Reminiscere

WBC21 - The 2nd Sunday of Lent, 2nd Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich, BWV 150 (first performance ? before 1707, Mühlhausen period)
  • O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe, BWV 34a (first performance 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut, BWV 117 (first performance ? 1728–1731, Leipzig period)
Remembrance plaque marking the spot where Bach's house stood in Weimar. That location is now... a parking lot.

3rd Sunday of Lent or Oculi

WBC22 - The 3rd Sunday of Lent, 3rd Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54 (first performance 4 March 1714?, Weimar period)
  • Alles, was von Gott geboren, BWV 80a (first performance 24 March 1715 or 15 March 1716 - music lost, Weimar period)
The interior of the Marienkirche in Mühlhausen, where the cantata Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131, was first performed in 1707.

4th Sunday of Lent or Laetare

WBC23 - The 4th Sunday of Lent, 4th Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131 (first performance ? 1707, Mühlhausen period)
  • Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 192 (first performance ? Autumn 1730, Leipzig period)
  • O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht, BWV 118 (first performance ? 1736/1737, Leipzig period)
The statue of Paul Fleming (1609-1640) in front of the city hall of Hartenstein. Fleming wrote the hymn on which In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97, is based.

5th Sunday of Lent or Judica

WBC24 - The 5th Sunday of Lent, 5th Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97 (first performance ? 1734, Leipzig period)
  • Bekennen will ich seinen Namen, BWV 200 (first performance ? 1742, Leipzig period)
The Entry into Jerusalem, 14th century painting by Giotto (c.1267-1337).

Palm Sunday or Palmarum

WBC25 - Sunday before Easter. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Himmelskönig, sei willkommen, BWV 182 (first performance 25 March 1714, Weimar period)
  • Passio secundum Joannem, BWV 245 (first performance 7 april 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1 (first performance 25 March 1725, Leipzig period)
Central panel of the altarpiece in the Herderkirche in Weimar. The remarkable triptych was begun by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1552/53, shortly before his death, and completed in 1555 by his son Lucas Cranach the Younger. It is regarded as a major work of art of the 16th century in Saxony and Thuringia. You can see Martin Luther on the right holding a bible.

Good Friday or Passionis Domini

WBC26 - Friday before Easter. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Passio secundum Matthaeum, BWV 244 (first performance 11 April 1727, Leipzig period)
The Harrowing of Hell by Andrea Mantegna, around 1470. An important part of Mediaval Easter traditions, the Harrowing of Hell describes the descent by Christ into Hell between his death and resurrection to release the innocent victims of the devil.

Holy Saturday or Sabbatum Sanctum

WBC27 - Saturday before Easter. Liturgical period : Lent.
  • Motets, BWV 225-230 (first performance 1723-1728?, Leipzig period)
The resurrection of Christ by Paolo Veronese, around 1570, Dresden, Gemäldegalerie.

Easter

WBC28 - Easter (1st Sunday after the first full moon of spring). Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Christ lag in Todes Banden, BWV 4 (first performance probably 24 April 1707, Mühlhausen period)
  • Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret, BWV 31 (first performance 21 April 1715, Weimar period)
  • Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249 (first performance 1 April 1725, Leipzig period)
Christ with two disciples on the road to Emmaus and braking the bread at the evening meal, Carolingian ivory relief from around 900-950, Metz, France.

Easter Monday

WBC29 - Monday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66 (first performance 10 April 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, BWV 6 (first performance 2 April 1725, Leipzig period)
Next to the Thomaskirche in Leipzig on a sunny spring day.

Easter Tuesday

WBC30 - Tuesday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß, BWV 134 (first performance 11 April 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich lebe, mein Herze, zu deinem Ergötzen, BWV 145 (first performance 19 april 1729?, Leipzig period)
  • Der Friede sei mit dir, BWV 158 (first performance 1730? - mostly lost, Leipzig period)
The incredulity of Saint Thomas by Italian painter Caravaggio from 1601-1602. Sanssouci Picture Gallery, Potsdam, Germany.

1st Sunday after Easter or Quasimodogeniti

WBC31 - 1st Sunday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67 (first performance 16 April 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42 (first performance 8 April 1725, Leipzig period)
The good shepherd, mosaic in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Italy (from around 425).

2nd Sunday after Easter or Misericordia Domini

WBC32 - 2nd Sunday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Du Hirte Israel, höre, BWV 104 (first performance 23 April 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich bin ein guter Hirt, BWV 85 (first performance 15 April 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt, BWV 112 (first performance 8 April 1731, Leipzig period)
A contemporary etching of Christiana Mariana von Ziegler (1695-1760), the author of the libretto for Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, BWV 103.

3rd Sunday after Easter or Jubilate

WBC33 - 3rd Sunday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, BWV 12 (first performance 22 April 1714, Weimar period)
  • Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, BWV 103 (first performance 22 April 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal, BWV 146 (first performance ? 12 May 1726 or 18 April 1728, Leipzig period)
Students of the Thomasschüle in Leipzig studying for their performances in the Thomanerchor.

4th Sunday after Easter or Cantate

WBC34 - 4th Sunday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Wo gehest du hin?, BWV 166 (first performance 7 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe, BWV 108 (first performance 29 April 1725, Leipzig period)
Water colour painting of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig by Louis Braun, around 1870. Louis Braun was a German painter, mostly known for his battlescenes, especially those of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871.

5th Sunday after Easter or Rogate

WBC35 - 5th Sunday after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage euch, BWV 86 (first performance 14 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Bisher habt ihr nichts gebeten in meinem Namen, BWV 87 (first performance 6 May 1725, Leipzig period)
The Ascension of Christ, 1775, by American painter John Singleton Copley (1738-1815), Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Ascension Day

WBC36 - Forty days after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Wer da gläubet und getauft wird, BWV 37 (first performance 18 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein, BWV 128 (first performance 10 May 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen, BWV 43 (first performance 30 May 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11 (first performance 19 May 1735, Leipzig period)
The Thomaskirche in Leipzig, not really in a setting that Bach would recognise.

1st Sunday after Ascension Day or Exaudi

WBC37 - Sunday after Ascension. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Sie werden euch in den Bann tun, BWV 44 (first performance 21 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Sie werden euch in den Bann tun, BWV 183 (first performance 13 May 1725, Leipzig period)
Pentecost by the Greek-Spanish painter El Greco (1541-1614), Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

Pentecost or Whit Sunday

WBC38 - Fifty days after Easter. Liturgical period : Easter.
  • Erschallet, ihr Lieder, erklinget, ihr Saiten!, BWV 172 (first performance 20 May 1714, Weimar period)
  • Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 59 (first performance 16 May 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74 (first performance 20 May 1725, Leipzig period)
  • O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe, BWV 34 (first performance 1 June 1727, Leipzig period)
Pentecost, from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, a book of hours by the Dutch painters the Limbourg brothers, left unfinished in 1416 when all three brothers and their patron, Jean, Duc de Berry, died, possibly from the plague. Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.

Whit Monday

WBC39 - Monday after Whit Sunday. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut, BWV 173 (first performance 29 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt, BWV 68 (first performance 21 May 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Ich liebe den Höchsten von ganzem Gemüte, BWV 174 (first performance 6 June 1729, Leipzig period)
Pentecost by Italian painter Giotto (1267-1337), National Gallery, London.

Whit Tuesday

WBC40 - Tuesday after Whit Sunday. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Erwünschtes Freudenlicht, BWV 184 (first performance 30 May 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Er rufet seinen Schafen mit Namen, BWV 175 (first performance 22 May 1725, Leipzig period)
The Holy Trinity by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), the most famous painter from my hometown Antwerp. Painted around 1620, it now resides in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, which reopened after extensive restorations in 2022. Definitely worth a visit!

First Sunday after Pentecost or Trinitatis

WBC41 - 1st Sunday after Whit Sunday. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165 (first performance 16 June 1715?, Weimar period)
  • Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest, BWV 194 (first performance 2 November 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Es ist ein trotzig und verzagt Ding, BWV 176 (first performance 27 May 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Gelobet sei der Herr, mein Gott, BWV 129 (first performance 8 June 1727, Leipzig period)
Then and now, the Thomanerchor is instrumental in the performance of Bach cantatas in the Thomaskirche, here under direction of the previous Thomaskantor, Gotthold Schwarz. The predecessors of these choristers performed under Bach's direction as Thomaskantor.

Trinitatis I or 1st Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC42 - 1st Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75 (first performance 30 May 1723, Leipzig period)
  • O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 20 (first performance 11 June 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brot, BWV 39 (first performance 23 June 1726, Leipzig period)
Bach was born in Eisenach, and in the mid-19th century it was determined that this house at Frauenplan 21 was the original birthhouse of the great master. When it was threatened by demolition in 1905, the Neue Bachgesellschaft (New Bach Society), founded in Leipzig in 1900, decided to buy the house and establish a museum there. Research in 1928 showed however that members of the Bach family had indeed resided at this address, but that it was not JS Bach's birthhouse - that house was long gone. The picture shows the opening of the Bachhaus in 1907.

Trinitatis II or 2nd Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC43 - 2nd Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, BWV 76 (first performance 6 June 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein, BWV 2 (first performance 18 June 1724, Leipzig period)
View of Weimar with the Herderkirche and the Stadtschloss.

Trinitatis III or 3rd Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC44 - 3rd Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21 (first performance 17 June 1714, Weimar period)
  • Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder, BWV 135 (first performance 25 June 1724, Leipzig period)
The Sermon on the Mount, 1598, by Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625), J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

Trinitatis IV or 4th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC45 - 4th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe, BWV 185 (first performance 14 July 1715, Weimar period)
  • Ein ungefärbt Gemüte, BWV 24 (first performance 20 June 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 177 (first performance 6 July 1732, Leipzig period)
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, a cartoon (a design for a tapestry) by Raphael (1483-1520). The cartoons were commissioned by Pope Leo X for tapestries intended for the Sistine Chapel. The cartoons are on display in the wonderful Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum in London. Painting suggested to me by subscriber Jennifer. 

Trinitatis V or 5th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC46 - 5th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 93 (first performance 9 July 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden, BWV 88 (first performance 21 July 1726, Leipzig period)
  • In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97 (first performance 25 July 1734, Leipzig period)
As a break from practicing and studying, students from the Thomasschule enjoy a game of football.

Trinitatis VI or 6th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC47 - 6th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170 (first performance 28 July 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, BWV 9 (first performance ? 1732–1735, Leipzig period)
'Loaves and Fishes (from Jesus is my homeboy)' is a picture from 2003 by photographer David LaChapelle (born 1963). 

Trinitatis VII or 7th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC48 - 7th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54 (first performance 15 July 1714?, Weimar period)
  • Ärgre dich, o Seele, nicht, BWV 186 (first performance 11 July 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Was willst du dich betrüben, BWV 107 (first performance 23 July 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Es wartet alles auf dich, BWV 187 (first performance 4 August 1726, Leipzig period)
The Bach glass window in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig.

Trinitatis VIII or 8th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC49 - 8th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Erforsche mich, Gott, und erfahre mein Herz, BWV 136 (first performance 18 June 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält, BWV 178 (first performance 30 July 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Es ist dir gesagt, Mensch, was gut ist, BWV 45 (first performance 11 August 1726, Leipzig period)
Autograph of a soprano aria in the cantata Herr, gehe nicht ins Gericht mit deinem Knecht, BWV 105 (source: Wikipedia)

Trinitatis IX or 9th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC50 - 9th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Herr, gehe nicht ins Gericht mit deinem Knecht, BWV 105 (first performance 25 July 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Was frag ich nach der Welt, BWV 94 (first performance 6 August 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort, BWV 168 (first performance 29 July 1725, Leipzig period)
Wood engraving of the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig, 1592. The Nikolaikirche was also under the supervision of Bach as Thomaskantor, and he performed many cantatas there too.

Trinitatis X or 10th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC51 - 10th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Schauet doch und sehet, ob irgend ein Schmerz sei, BWV 46 (first performance 1 August 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Nimm von uns, Herr, du treuer Gott, BWV 101 (first performance 13 August 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Herr, deine Augen sehen nach dem Glauben, BWV 102 (first performance 25 August 1726, Leipzig period)
A statue of Johann Sebastian Bach in Weimar.

Trinitatis XI or 11th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC52 - 11th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut, BWV 199 (first performance 12 August 1714, Weimar period)
  • Siehe zu, daß deine Gottesfurcht nicht Heuchelei sei, BWV 179 (first performance 8 August 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut, BWV 113 (first performance 20 August 1724, Leipzig period)
Painting of Leipzig by Christian Schildbach (1765).

Trinitatis XII or 12th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC53 - 12th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69a (first performance 15 August 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren, BWV 137 (first performance 19 August 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35 (first performance 8 September 1726, Leipzig period)
The Good Samaritan, painted around 1616 by Jacob Jordaens, a painter from my hometown Antwerp (Louvre Abu Dhabi).

Trinitatis XIII or 13th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC54 - 13th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben, BWV 77 (first performance 22 August 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 33 (first performance 3 September 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ihr, die ihr euch von Christo nennet, BWV 164 (first performance 26 August 1725, Leipzig period)
Jesus healing ten lepers, the evangelical reading for Trinitatis XIV. 14th century fresco from the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Visoki Decani, located south of the city of Peć, Kosovo.

Trinitatis XIV or 14th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC55 - 14th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Es ist nichts Gesundes an meinem Leibe, BWV 25 (first performance 29 August 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78 (first performance 10 September 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Wer Dank opfert, der preiset mich, BWV 17 (first performance 22 September 1726, Leipzig period)
On Saturday September 11, 2021, the Swiss Andreas Reize took office as the new Thomaskantor, in succession of Gotthold Schwarz, who retired in June of 2021. For his inauguration concerto with the Thomaner, he performed (among others) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 99, the cantata for Trinitatis XV, which fell on the following Sunday September 12th. Andreas Reize is the first non-German and non-Protestant to hold the post (he is a Catholic), which apparently led to some discussion.

Trinitatis XV or 15th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC56 - 15th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz, BWV 138 (first performance 5 September 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 99 (first performance 17 September 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51 (first performance 17 September 1730, Leipzig period)
Probable portrait of Antonio Vivaldi, around 1723. Bach rendered hommage to this great Italian composer in the opening bars of the tenor aria in the cantate, Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende?, BWV 27: it echoes the opening lines of Antonio Vivaldi's "Spring" of the Four Seasons, which was published the year before in 1725.

Trinitatis XVI or 16th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC57 - 16th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Komm, du süße Todesstunde, BWV 161 (first performance ? 27 September 1716, Weimar period)
  • Christus, der ist mein Leben, BWV 95 (first performance 12 September 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben?, BWV 8 (first performance 24 September 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende?, BWV 27 (first performance 6 October 1726, Leipzig period)
A 16th century woodcarving of Johannes Gigas (1514-1581), a German Protestant theologian, hymn writer, educator and reformer. The libretto of Ach, lieben Christen, seid getrost, BWV 114, is based on a hymn text by Gigas with the same name.

Trinitatis XVII or 17th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC58 - 17th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Bringet dem Herrn Ehre seines Namens, BWV 148 (first performance ?19 September 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Ach, lieben Christen, seid getrost, BWV 114 (first performance 1 October 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Wer sich selbst erhöhet, der soll erniedriget werden, BWV 47 (first performance 13 October 1726, Leipzig period)
Young members of the Thomanerchor performing. The Thomanerchor was founded in 1212, and the Thomaskantor is its director, as was Bach from 1723 until his death in 1750.

Trinitatis XVIII or 18th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC59 - 18th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn, BWV 96 (first performance 8 October 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169 (first performance 20 October 1726, Leipzig period)
The cover page of Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV 5, from Bach's own manuscript, part of the Stefan Zweig collection at the British Library.

Trinitatis XIX or 19th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC60 - 19th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen, BWV 48 (first performance 3 October 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV 5 (first performance 15 October 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, BWV 56 (first performance 27 October 1726, Leipzig period)
A view of Schloss Weimar around 1730.

Trinitatis XX or 20th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC61 - 20th Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe, BWV 162 (first performance ? 3 November 1715 or 25 October 1716, Weimar period)
  • Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 180 (first performance 22 October 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen, BWV 49 (first performance 3 November 1726, Leipzig period)
A musical performance at the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig during the Bachfest, held annually in the month of July. Each year there are approximately 100 individual events during the Bach Festival, beginning with an opening concert conducted by the serving Thomaskantor. The final concert is traditionally a performance of Bach's Mass in B minor (BWV 232) in the St. Thomas Church (source: Wikipedia).

Trinitatis XXI or 21st Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC62 - 21st Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben, BWV 109 (first performance 17 October 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 38 (first performance 29 October 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan, BWV 98 (first performance 10 November 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Ich habe meine Zuversicht, BWV 188 (first performance ?17 October 1728, Leipzig period)
A view of the Bosehaus in Leipzig, residence of the Neue Bach Gesellschaft and the Bach Archiv Leipzig. The building itself was known to Bach. The Bosehaus was restored from 2008 to 2010 to comply with the latest safety requirements for archives, and was opened again on 20 March 2010.

Trinitatis XXII or 22nd Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC63 - 22nd Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim, BWV 89 (first performance 24 October 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, BWV 115 (first performance 5 November 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht, BWV 55 (first performance 17 November 1726, Leipzig period)
View of the Schlosskirche in Weimar, where Nur jedem das Seine, BWV 163 was first performed on 24 November 1715. This Schlosskirche, as it appeared in Bach's time, was built between 1619 and 1630, but destroyed by fire in 1774.

Trinitatis XXIII or 23rd Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC64 - 23rd Sunday after Trinitatis. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Nur jedem das Seine, BWV 163 (first performance 24 November 1715, Weimar period)
  • Wohl dem, der sich auf seinen Gott, BWV 139 (first performance 12 November 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht, BWV 52 (first performance 24 November 1726, Leipzig period)
The Thomaskirche in Leipzig, water colour painting by Christian Gödert, a German artist born 1961.

Trinitatis XXIV or 24th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC65 - 24th Sunday after Trinitatis. Only occurs if it falls before Advent I. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 60 (first performance 7 November 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26 (first performance 19 November 1724, Leipzig period)
The Last Judgment, subject of the prescribed readings of Trinitatis XXV, as depicted so magnificently around 1445-1450 by Rogier Van der Weyden (1399 or 1400-1464). Commissioned by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, for the Hospices de Beaune (which he founded), and where it still hangs today.

Trinitatis XXV or 25th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC66 - 25th Sunday after Trinitatis. Only occurs if it falls before Advent I. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Es reißet euch ein schrecklich Ende, BWV 90 (first performance 14 November 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 116 (first performance 26 November 1724, Leipzig period)
An aerial view of the Stadtschloss in Weimar, with on the right the Schlosskirche (Court Chapel), where Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!, BWV 70, was first performed.

Trinitatis XXVI or 26th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC67 - 26th Sunday after Trinitatis. Only occurs if it falls before Advent I. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!, BWV 70 (first performance 21 November 1723, Leipzig period)
The parable of the ten bridesmaids. It was long thought that this watercolour painting was by William Blake, but it finally turned out to be a copy of a Blake original, painted for Sir Thomas Lawrence in about 1825. Tate gallery, London.

Trinitatis XXVII or 27th Sunday after Trinitatis

WBC68 - 27th Sunday after Trinitatis. Only occurs if it falls before Advent I. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 (first performance 25 November 1731, Leipzig period)

Liturgical fixed cantata days

Liturgical fixed cantata days start with the first liturgical fixed date after New Year and are sorted according to their date.

An impressive fireworks display over Leipzig welcomes the New Year. You can spot the Thomaskirche left of the skyscraper in the center. Happy New Year!

New Year's Day

WBCF0101 - Occurs every January 1st. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 143 (first performance ? New Year's Day 1709-1711?, Mühlhausen period)
  • Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht, BWV 134a (first performance 1 January 1719, Köthen period)
  • Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 190 (first performance 1 January 1724 - instrumental parts lost, Leipzig period)
  • Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41 (first performance 1 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Herr Gott, dich loben wir, BWV 16 (first performance 1 January 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Gott, wie dein Name, so ist auch dein Ruhm, BWV 171 (first performance 1 January ?1729, Leipzig period)
  • Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben, BWV 248 (first performance 1 January 1735 - Christmas Oratorio Part IV, Leipzig period)
The adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens, the most famous painter from my hometown Antwerp. Painted in 1609 to decorate the negotiations hall for the Twelve Year's truce. Given to the Spanish ambassador in 1612, it came into possession of the Spanish king Philips IV. Rubens himself reworked it slightly in Spain in 1628-1629. It survived a fire in 1734 by being cut from its frame and thrown out the window, and now resides in the Prado in Madrid.

Epiphany

WBCF0106 - Occurs every January 6th. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65 (first performance 6 January 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Liebster Immanuel, Herzog der Frommen, BWV 123 (first performance 6 January 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben, BWV 248 (first performance 6 January 1735 - Christmas Oratorio Part VI, Leipzig period)
The Presentation in the Temple, painting by Jacques Daret from around 1434. The figure with the long grey beard is Simeon.

Candlemas

WBCF0202 - Occurs every February 2nd. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Komm, du süße Todesstunde, BWV 161 (first performance ? 27 September 1716, Weimar period)
  • Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde, BWV 83 (first performance 2 February 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125 (first performance 2 February 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Ich habe genug, BWV 82 (first performance 2 February 1727, Leipzig period)
  • Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157 (first performance 6 February 1727, Leipzig period)
  • Der Friede sei mit dir, BWV 158 (first performance 1730? mostly lost, Leipzig period)
The Annunciation (1434–1436) by Jan Van Eyck (c.1390-1441), National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. It is thought that it was the left (inner) wing of a triptych; there has been no sighting of the other wings since before 1817.

Annunciation

WBCF0325 - Occurs every March 25th. Liturgical period : Ordinary time I.
  • Himmelskönig, sei willkommen, BWV 182 (first performance 25 March 1714, Weimar period)
  • Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1 (first performance 25 March 1725, Leipzig period)
Russian icon depicting the nativity of St John Baptist. His parents, Elisabeth and Zachariah, an elderly couple, were visited by the Archangel Gabriel to announce the birth of a son who they should name John. Zachariah did not believe the prophecy and was struck with numbness, until, on the day of the birth, he wrote "His name is John", which is depicted here.

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

WBCF0624 - Occurs every June 24th. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Ihr Menschen, rühmet Gottes Liebe, BWV 167 (first performance 24 June 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 7 (first performance 24 June 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30 (first performance 24 June 1738 or later, Leipzig period)
Visitation, a painting by Rogier Van der Weyden (1399-1464), Museum der bildenden Künste in Leipzig.

Visitation

WBCF0702 - Occurs every July 2nd. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 (first performance 2 July 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10 (first performance 2 July 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Magnificat, BWV 243 (first performance 2 juli 1733, Leipzig period)
Painting by Francesco di Giovanni Botticini (1446-1498) of the three archangels (from left to right Michael, Raphael, Gabriel) with young Tobias (1470 - Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy).

Michaelmas (Feast of Saint Michael and the Archangels)

WBCF0929 - Occurs every September 29th. Liturgical period : Ordinary time II.
  • Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft, BWV 50 (first performance ? 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir, BWV 130 (first performance 29 September 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 19 (first performance 29 September 1726, Leipzig period)
  • Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg, BWV 149 (first performance ? 29 September 1728 or 1729, Leipzig period)
The nativity, a tempera on wood painting by Lorenzo Monaco (born Piero di Giovanni; c. 1370 – c. 1425), the leading painter in Florence in the early fifteenth century and active as a painter of illuminated manuscripts, frescoes and panel paintings.

Christmas Day

WBCF1225 - Occurs every December 25th. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63 (first performance 1713? 1716?, Weimar period)
  • Magnificat, BWV 243a (first performance 25 December 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Sanctus, BWV 238 (first performance 25 December 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 91 (first performance 25 December 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, BWV 110 (first performance 25 December 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe, BWV 197a (first performance 25 December ?1728, partly lost, Leipzig period)
  • Jauchzet, frohlocket, BWV 248 (first performance 25 December 1734 - Christmas Oratorio Part I, Leipzig period)
  • Gloria in excelsis Deo, BWV 191 (first performance 25 December 1745, Leipzig period)
The annunciation to the shepherds by Cornelis Saftleven (1607-1681), from around 1630 - 1650. The annunciation is the subject of the second Weihnachtsoratorium cantata, Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend, BWV 248-2.

Second day of Christmas

WBCF1226 - Occurs every December 26th. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes, BWV 40 (first performance 26 December 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121 (first performance 26 December 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Selig ist der Mann, BWV 57 (first performance 26 December 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend, BWV 248 (first performance 26 December 1734 - Christmas Oratorio Part II, Leipzig period)
The adoration of the shepherds is the scene depicted in the thirth cantata of the Weihnachtsoratorium, so I am honoured to present to you the adoration by Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678), a painter of my hometown of Antwerp, a contemporary of Rubens and Van Dyck. This painting hangs in a museum in Grenoble since it was robbed in 1794 by the French who occupied my country at the time. It is one of at least 173 outstanding works of art they took.

Third day of Christmas

WBCF1227 - Occurs every December 27th. Liturgical period : Christmastide.
  • Sehet, welch eine Liebe hat uns der Vater erzeiget, BWV 64 (first performance 27 December 1723, Leipzig period)
  • Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133 (first performance 27 December 1724, Leipzig period)
  • Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt, BWV 151 (first performance 27 December 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen, BWV 248 (first performance 27 December 1734 - Christmas Oratorio Part III, Leipzig period)

Non-liturgical fixed cantata days

These fixed cantata days also start with the first fixed date after New Year and are sorted according to their date, but they cover non-liturgical events.

A contemporary portrait of Christian von Sachsen-Weissenfels, attributed to Martin Bernigeroth (1670-1733)

Homage for Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels

WBCF0112 - Occurs every January 12th. Not a liturgical day.
  • O angenehme Melodei, BWV 210a (first performance 12 January 1729, Leipzig period)
The Divi Blasii church in Mühlhausen, where Bach was appointed as organist from 1707 to 1708.

Inauguration of Mühlhausen town council

WBCF0204 - Occurs every February 4th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Gott ist mein König, BWV 71 (first performance 4 February 1708, Mühlhausen period)
The interior of the Wehrkirche in Pomßen, where Bach performed BWV 157. The organ by Gottfried Richter (1640–1717) is the oldest organ in Sachsen.

Funeral service for Johann Christoph von Ponickau

WBCF0206 - Occurs every February 6th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157 (first performance 6 February 1727, Leipzig period)
Coronation mantle of Augustus III which he wore on January 17 1734. National Museum in Warsaw.

Coronation of August III as King of Poland

WBCF0219 - Occurs every February 19th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Blast Lärmen, ihr Feinde, BWV 205a (first performance 19 February 1734, Leipzig period)
Hotel Jaegerhof in Weissenfels originally was the hunting lodge of the Dukes of Saxe-Weissenfels, and the location for the first performance of Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!, BWV 208 in 1713.

Birthday of Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels

WBCF0223 - Occurs every February 23rd. Not a liturgical day.
  • Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!, BWV 208 (first performance 23 February 1713, Weimar period)
  • Entfliehet, verschwindet, entweichet, ihr Sorgen, BWV 249a (first performance 23 February 1725, Leipzig period)
Statue of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy next to the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. Mendelssohn's performance of the Matthaeus Passion in 1829, the first performance since Bach's lifetime, was a watershed moment in the rediscovery of Bach's work in the 19th century.

Mendelssohn's performance of the Matthaeus Passion

WBCF0311 - Occurs every March 11th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Passio secundum Matthaeum - 1. Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen, BWV 244 (first performance 11 April 1727, Leipzig period)
  • The Hebrides or Fingal's Cave, Overture in B minor for orchestra Op.26, MWV P7 (first performance 1830-1832)
  • Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major, BWV 552 (first performance 1739, Leipzig period)
  • Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, MWV O14 (first performance 1830-1832)
  • Sonata in E minor for flute and basso continuo, BWV 1034 (first performance 1717-1723, Köthen period)
  • Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. Posth. 90, "Italian", MWV N16 (first performance 13 May 1833)
  • Passio secundum Matthaeum - 68. Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder, BWV 244 (first performance 11 April 1727, Leipzig period)
A wooden memorial plate above the entrance portal of the Georgenkirche in Eisenach, commemorating Bach's baptism according to the Julian calendar.

Bach's birthday Julian calendar

WBCF0321 - Occurs every March 21st. Not a liturgical day.
  • Amore traditore, BWV 203 (first performance 1720?, Köthen period)
  • Ich bin in mir vergnügt, BWV 204 (first performance 1726?, Leipzig period)
  • Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht, BWV 211 (first performance ? 1732-1735, Leipzig period)
  • Non sa che sia dolore, BWV 209 (first performance 1734?, Leipzig period)
Schlossanlage Köthen, home of the princes of Köthen, around 1650 in a copper etching by Caspar Merians (Bach-Archiv Leipzig).

Funeral of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen

WBCF0324 - Occurs every March 24th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Klagt, Kinder, klagt es aller Welt, BWV 244a (first performance 24 March 1729, Leipzig period)
The baptismal font in the Georgenkirche in Eisenach, over which Johann Sebastian Bach was baptised on April 2nd 1685, two days after his birth.

Bach's birthday Gregorian calendar

WBCF0331 - Occurs every March 31st. Not a liturgical day.
  • Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36c (first performance ? May-June 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Erwählte Pleißenstadt, BWV 216a (first performance ? 1728, Leipzig period)
  • Herr Gott, Beherrscher aller Dinge, BWV 120a (first performance ? 1729, Leipzig period)
  • Gott ist unsre Zuversicht, BWV 197 (first performance ? 1736/37, Leipzig period)
The St. Bartholomäikirche in Dornheim, where Der Herr denket an uns, BWV 196 was created in 1708. It is also the church where Bach married his first wife, Maria Barbara, in 1707.

Marriage of Johann Lorenz Stauber

WBCF0605 - Occurs every June 5th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Der Herr denket an uns, BWV 196 (first performance 5 June 1708, Mühlhausen period)
Gravure by Christian Beyer (1482-1535) depicting the Imperial Diet in Ausburg, with the Augsburg Confession being presented to Emperor Charles V on the left.

200th anniversary of Augsburg Confession

WBCF0626 - Occurs every June 26th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120b (first performance 26 June 1730, Leipzig period)
  • Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 190a (first performance 26 juni 1730, instrumental parts lost, Leipzig period)
The grave of Johann Sebastian Bach in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig.

Anniversary of Bach's death

WBCF0728 - Occurs every July 28th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080 (first performance 1740-1750, Leipzig period)
For this celebration of the nameday of August, it is appropriate to use a painting by German expressionist August Macke, called "Coloured composition hommage to Johann Sebastian Bach" (1912). Macke, born in 1887, died on the front in World War 1, in the Champagne region in 1914.

Nameday August III and Dr August Friedrich Müller

WBCF0803 - Occurs every August 3rd. Not a liturgical day.
  • Zerreißet, zersprenget, zertrümmert die Gruft, BWV 205 (first performance 3 August 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Auf, schmetternde Töne der muntern Trompeten, BWV 207a (first performance 3 augustus 1735, Leipzig period)
  • Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!, BWV 208a (first performance 3 August 1740, Leipzig period)
On display in the Bachhaus in Eisenach is the Bach Goblet, one of very few undoubtedly authentic household items left from Bach's possessions. It is a Bohemian-Saxon work from around 1735. In the front, there is a VIVAT with a double (mirrored) monogram of the letters JSB underneath. The ends of the letters terminate in points. In total, there are 14 of these points – the Bach number, since B+A+C+H = 2+1+3+8 = 14 according to baroque numerology. In the back, there is a dedication poem that includes the name of Bach both in letters and in (German) musical notation. It is still an unsolved riddle who may have been the donor of the goblet, and on what occasion Bach received it.

Marriage

WBCF0811 - Occurs every August 11th. Not a liturgical day.
  • O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit, BWV 210 (first performance ? 1738, Leipzig period)
The oldest known depiction of Leipzig's Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) from 1547, before the modifications begun by Hieronymus Lotter around 1556, which have given the building its current dimensions and aspect, and which was also the building Bach was familiar with.

Ratswechsel 1727

WBCF0825 - Occurs every August 25th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Ihr Tore zu Zion, BWV 193 (first performance 25 August 1727?, Leipzig period)
Etching of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) in Leipzig from 1672.

Ratswechsel 1748

WBCF0826 - Occurs every August 26th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69 (first performance 26 augustus 1748, Leipzig period)
The main hall inside the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) of Leipzig today.

Ratswechsel 1731

WBCF0827 - Occurs every August 27th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29 (first performance 27 August 1731, Leipzig period)
View of the city of Leipzig centered on the main square and the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) from 1712.

Ratswechsel 1742

WBCF0829 - Occurs every August 29th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120 (first performance 29 August 1742, Leipzig period)
The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) today, which houses the Museum of City History of Leipzig.

Ratswechsel 1723

WBCF0830 - Occurs every August 30th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn, BWV 119 (first performance 30 August 1723, Leipzig period)
Schloss Kleinzschocher, southwest of Leipzig in Bach's time, but now engulfed by the city, was the residence of Carl Heinrich von Dieskau.

Birthday of Carl Heinrich von Dieskau

WBCF08302 - Occurs every August 30th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Mer hahn en neue Oberkeet, BWV 212 (first performance 30 August 1742, Leipzig period)
Portrait of crown prince Friedrich Christian of Saxony by Rosalba Carriera around 1739-1740 (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden). Rosalba Carriera was a female rococo painter from Venice, Italy, who was admired by the crown prince's father Frederick Augustus II, Prince-Elector of Saxony and King of Poland.

Birthday crown prince Friedrich Christian von Saksen

WBCF0905 - Occurs every September 5th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Laßt uns sorgen, laßt uns wachen, BWV 213 (first performance 5 September 1733, Leipzig period)
Schloss Wiederau, where Angenehmes Wiederau, BWV 30a, was first performed on September 28th 1737.

Celebration Johann Christian von Hennicke

WBCF0928 - Occurs every September 28th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Angenehmes Wiederau, BWV 30a (first performance 28 September 1737, Leipzig period)
Katharinenstraße 16, 14 and 12, engraving by Johann George Schreiber in 1720. Number 14, the house in the middle, is Café Zimmermann, home of the musical ensemble Collegium Musicum, which Bach led from 1729 to 1741. The house was destroyed during a heavy Allied air raid on December 4th, 1943.

Café Zimmermann season opener 1729

WBCF1001 - Occurs every October 1st. Not a liturgical day.
  • Geschwinde, ihr wirbelnden Winde - Der Streit zwischen Phoebus und Pan, BWV 201 (first performance ? Fall 1729, Leipzig period)
Portrait of Augustus III of Poland, Elector of Saxony -- workshop of Louis de Silvestre. He wears Polish garb and the Orders of the Golden Fleece and of the Holy Spirit. On the left hand side, on a chair upholstered with his crowned monogram, lies the mantle that the Saxon Government offered him for his coronation. To the right of the composition are, on a console, the insignias of regal power: crown, sceptre, and orb (Wikipedia).

Election anniversary of August III as King of Poland

WBCF1005 - Occurs every October 5th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen, BWV 215 (first performance 5 October 1734, Leipzig period)
A portrait of Augustus III of Poland, aged 19, done in 1715 by the French painter Nicolas de Largillière. 

Birthday of August III of Poland, Elector of Saxony

WBCF1007 - Occurs every October 7th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Schleicht, spielende Wellen, und murmelt gelinde, BWV 206 (first performance 7 oktober 1736, Leipzig period)
An ivory carving of Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (1671-1727) by Jean Cavalier, a French artist who worked at many European courts.

Funeral Queen Christiane Eberhardine

WBCF1017 - Occurs every October 17th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Laß, Fürstin, laß noch einen Strahl, BWV 198 (first performance 17 October 1727, Leipzig period)
The inscription on the portal of the Georgenkirche in Eisenach: "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott", the title of BWV 80.

Reformation day

WBCF1031 - Occurs every October 31st. Not a liturgical day.
  • Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild, BWV 79 (first performance 31 October 1725, Leipzig period)
  • Gelobet sei der Herr, mein Gott, BWV 129 (first performance 16 June 1726?, Leipzig period)
  • Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80 (first performance ? 1727–31, Leipzig period)
The organ in Störmthal, built in 1723 by Zacharias Hildebrandt, pupil of the famous organ builder Gottfried Silbermann.

Consecration of Störmthal church and organ

WBCF1102 - Occurs every November 2nd. Not a liturgical day.
  • Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest, BWV 194 (first performance 2 November 1723, Leipzig period)
Portrait of Charlotte Friederike of Nassau-Siegen (1702-1785), wife of Leopold of Anhalt-Kothen, painted around 1751, probably by Christoph Gottfried Ringe.

Birthday of Princess Charlotte Friederike of Nassau-Siegen

WBCF1130 - Occurs every November 30th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Steigt freudig in die Luft, BWV 36a (first performance 30 November 1726, Leipzig period)
The house where the Bach family stayed in Köthen from 1719 to 1723, in the Wallstraße. Initially Bach lived there with first wife, Maria Barbara Bach. She died in 1720, survived by four children. Bach married Anna Magdalena Bach on the 3rd of December 1721. The marriage took place in this house, "by command of the Prince", perhaps because Advent did not allow marriages in church. In 1723 the Bach family moved to Leipzig.

Marriage to Anna Magdalena Bach

WBCF1203 - Occurs every December 3rd. Not a liturgical day.
  • Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, BWV 202 (first performance ? 1720, Köthen period)
Maria Josepha, the dedicatee, in a 1720 painting by the Venetian rococo painter Rosalba Carriera.

Birthday of Maria Josepha, Queen of Poland and Electress of Saxony

WBCF1208 - Occurs every December 8th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!, BWV 214 (first performance 7 december 1733, Leipzig period)
Prince Leopold von Anhalt-Köthen (1694-1728) in a contemporary painting by an unknown artist.

Birthday of Leopold von Anhalt-Köthen

WBCF1210 - Occurs every December 10th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Der Himmel dacht auf Anhalts Ruhm und Glück, BWV 66a (first performance 3 December 1718, Köthen period)
  • Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173a (first performance 10 December 1722, Köthen period)
The Paulinum in Leipzig, completed in 2007. It stands at the site of the former Pauliner Kirche, the Leipzig University church, which was destroyed in 1968 during the communist regime of East Germany. Bach performed many cantatas in the Pauliner Kirche.

Appointment of Gottlieb Kortte as professor to the University of Leipzig

WBCF1211 - Occurs every December 11th. Not a liturgical day.
  • Vereinigte Zwietracht der wechselnden Saiten, BWV 207 (first performance 11 december 1726, Leipzig period)