Cantata no. 71: Gott ist mein König, BWV.71
Gott ist mein König (God is my King), BWV 71, is a cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach written in Mühlhausen when the composer was 22 years old. Unusually for an early cantata by Bach, the date of first performance is known: at the inauguration of a new town council on 4 February 1708.
The text is compiled mainly from biblical sources, three different sections from Psalm 74 and several other verses. In addition, one stanza from Johann Heermann's hymn "O Gott, du frommer Gott" is sung simultaneously with corresponding biblical text, and free poetry by an unknown poet of Bach's time which relates to the political occasion. The cantata in seven movements is scored festively with a Baroque instrumental ensemble including trumpets and timpani, "four separate instrumental 'choirs', set against a vocal consort of four singers, an optional Capelle of ripienists and an organ". Stylistically it shares features with Bach's other early cantatas.
Movements
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": I. Coro (Sopran, Alt, Tenor, Bass) "Gott ist mein König von altersher"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": II. Aria (Sopran, Tenor) "Ich bin nun achtzig Jahr"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": III. Fuga (Coro) "Dein Alter sei wie deine Jugend"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": IV. Arioso (Bass) "Tag und Nacht ist dein"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": V. Aria (Alt) "Durch mächtige Kraft"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": VI. Coro "Du wollest dem Feinde"
- Kantate, BWV 71 "Gott ist mein König von altersher": VII. Coro (Sopran, Alt, Tenor, Bass) "Das neue Regiment"
Most recent recordings
- J.s. Bach: Gott ist mein König, BWV 71 — Johann Sebastian Bach, Netherlands Bach Collegium, Holland Boys Choir, Pieter Jan Leusink (2024) Spotify
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