BACH MUSIC DATABASE

CHURCH CANTATAS
INTRODUCTORY PAGE

The London Bach Society promoted the first complete cycle of the extant church and secular cantatas in the UK using professional forces from 1958-1987. These magnificent works are the cornerstone of the composer's output. The LBS now has at its disposal a wealth of practical information to offer when planning and performing the cantatas. Drawing on this, updating where applicable and taking into account the results of current research by the leading Bach scholars of the day the information contained serves to provide consensus where there might be diverse opinion and a practical guide as opposed to the definitive answer. The accompanying notes attempt to provide an answer to the most prevalent questions. Once the choice of cantata(s) has been made for your performance the advice is still check, check and check again…!

Note - Cantatas BWV 15, 53, 141, 142, 143, 160 and 189 have been omitted, as they are unauthentic.

© Margaret Steinitz