Soli Deo Gloria!
Celebrating 300 years of the Music of Bach
In 1985 the entire world celebrated the 300th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach with special events and concerts. Commemorative stamps were even issued. There have been many 300th anniversaries since. This year we celebrate the 300th anniversary of Bach becoming Cantor of Thomaskirche in Leipzig. It was during these years that some of his greatest sacred works were composed. On this page we will document his activities during those very busy and productive years. Note that at the top of the page is the current month followed by the years in reverse order.
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Soli Deo Gloria!
May 1723
May 5 - Bach signs a final pledge to the Leipzig Town Council at the city offices thereby officially accepting the Thomascantor position.
May 7-8 - Bach undergoes a rigorous theological examination in Latin. The examination is led by Dr. Johann Schmid, professor of theology at the University of Leipzig, who attests in a document signed May 8 that "Mr. Jo. Sebastian Bach replies to the questions propounded by me in such a wise that I consider that the said person may be admitted to the post of Cantor in the St. Thomas School.”
May 16 - On Pentecost Sunday Bach officially begins his duties at St. Paul's Church (the church of the University of Leipzig). Traditionally the Leipzig Cantor assumed duties there four times a year: the first days of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Reformation. On this Sunday he may have led Cantata 59 "Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten" ("Whoever Loves Me Will Keep My Word").
- Text and Translation
- Commentary (in German)
- Video
May 22 - Bach and his wife Anna Magdalena along with their five children move from Cöthen to Leipzig in two carriages with four wagons of household goods. They move into the newly renovated apartment in the St. Thomas School.
May 30 - The first performance of Cantata 75 "Die Elenden sollen essen" ("The Afflicted Shall Eat and Be Satisfied") for the First Sunday after Trinity. Bach is officially installed as Cantor.
May 31 - Bach is introduced to the students and faculty of the St. Thomas School and officially begins his duties there.
1723
January 15 – Graupner is unanimously chosen on the condition his audition is successful. As a precaution, Bach is also invited to audition.
January 17 – Graupner auditions and is offered the position and subsequently seeks release from his position in Darmstadt.
February 7 - Bach auditions for the post as Cantor and Music Director in Leipzig. For the audition he leads two cantatas for the Sunday worship service, one before the sermon and one after. The cantatas are Cantata 22 "Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe" ("Jesus Gathered the Twelve Unto Himself") and Cantata 23 "Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn" ("You, True God and Son of David").
March 23 – Graupner fails to obtain a release from his position in Darmstadt. In his letter informing the Leipzig Town Council he recommends they consider Bach stating that he is "a musician just as strong on the organ as he was experienced in church matters and choral music, who would provide the assigned function honestly and duly".
April 13 - Bach receives an official letter of dismissal from the Prince of Cöthen.
April 19 - Bach signs a preliminary pledge of employment to the Leipzig Town Council.
April 22 - Leipzig city officials unanimously select Bach as the 17th Thomaskantor. Being their third choice after Telemann and Graupner, Councilman Abraham Christoph Plaz famously states, "Since we cannot get the best, then we will have to settle for average."
May 5 - Bach signs a final pledge to the Leipzig Town Council at the city offices thereby officially accepting the Thomascantor position.
May 7-8 - Bach undergoes a rigorous theological examination in Latin. The examination is led by Dr. Johann Schmid, professor of theology at the University of Leipzig, who attests in a document signed May 8 that "Mr. Jo. Sebastian Bach replies to the questions propounded by me in such a wise that I consider that the said person may be admitted to the post of Cantor in the St. Thomas School.”
May 16 - On Pentecost Sunday Bach officially begins his duties at St. Paul's Church (the church of the University of Leipzig). Traditionally the Leipzig Cantor assumed duties there four times a year: the first days of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Reformation. On this Sunday he may have led Cantata 59 "Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten" ("Whoever Loves Me Will Keep My Word").
- Text and Translation
- Commentary (in German)
- Video
May 22 - Bach and his wife Anna Magdalena along with their five children move from Cöthen to Leipzig in two carriages with four wagons of household goods. They move into the newly renovated apartment in the St. Thomas School.
May 30 - The first performance of Cantata 75 "Die Elenden sollen essen" ("The Afflicted Shall Eat and Be Satisfied") for the First Sunday after Trinity. Bach is officially installed as Cantor.
May 31 - Bach is introduced to the students and faculty of the St. Thomas School and officially begins his duties there.
1722
June 5 – Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722) dies. A polymath, Kuhnau served as the 16thThomaskantor for 21 years.
August 9 – Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767) auditions for the post leading two cantatas for the worship service.
August 11 – The Leipzig Town Council offers the position to Telemann.
September 3 and October 15 – Telemann requests dismissal from his positions in Hamburg contrasting his situation with the more favorable offer from the town of Leipzig. The Hamburg senate decides to retain “this famous man and virtuoso” at all costs.
November 6 – Telemann turns down the offer after receiving a raise and other favorable improvements to his positions in Hamburg.
November 29 – Several other minor candidates audition but are passed over.
December 21 – Christoph Graupner (1683-1760) and Johann Sebastian Bach apply for the position.