Midv 147

The text goes back to a Weimar cantata by Solomon Franck for the 4th of Advent. It included only the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and another final chorus. Since no cantatas were performed in Leipzig between the 1st of Advent and the Christmas day, they could no longer be used there. With inserted recitatives and by recasting the chorale, an unknown poet gave her the new destiny for the feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary on July 2, 1723. This refers to Mary's visit to Elizabeth and her praise (Magnificat) according to the Gospel reading, Luke 1, 39-56.

After a St John Passion that won widespread critical acclaim (Gramophone Editor's Choice, BBC Music Magazine's Choice, Trophee de Radio Classique), Philippe Herreweghe and his ensemble Collegium Vocale Gent continue the journey to the heart of Bach's oeuvre that has made them world-famous with a programme of cantatas. The three recorded here were composed between 1723 and 1725 for St Thomas's Church in Leipzig, where the composer held the post of Kantor from 1723 until his death in 1750.

After a St John Passion that won widespread critical acclaim (Gramophone Editor's Choice, BBC Music Magazine 's Choice, Trophée de Radio Classique ), Philippe Herreweghe and his ensemble Collegium Vocale Gent continue the journey to the heart of Bach’s oeuvre that has made them world-famous with a programme of cantatas. The three recorded here were composed between 1723 and 1725 for St Thomas’s Church in Leipzig, where the composer held the post of Kantor from 1723 until his death in 1750.