The original occasion for the composition of Cantata BWV 51 is not known. The unusual festive scoring with trumpet and solo soprano, and the virtuoso demands of these parts seem to indicate a special occasion, such as New Year, a town council election or the birthday of a prominent person. Bach only added the liturgical designation of the 15th Sunday after Trinity to the titlepage of his score later. The text is directed to the praise of God and thanks for the goodness he has shown, combined with a plea for support in the future. The chorale verse “Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren” is not a typically straightforward four-part setting, but is incorporated into an instrumental trio movement. Together with the following “Alleluja”, it forms a brilliant concertante conclusion to the work.
New, revised edition.
- ISMN: 9790007310042 (M007310042)
