Cantatas of J.S. Bach
The list of Weimar cantatas and dates can be seen | |
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THINGS TO MULL OVER
Bach lost both his parents when he was nine. His brother who then raised him wasn't always encouraging him musically (the famous book of Johann's, transcribed by moonlight; was taken away when discovered). Coming home from a tour with Prince Leopold he found his 1st wife Maria Barbara had died and already been buried in 1720. Out of 20 children born to him, 10 died in infancy and more while he still lived. One of his living sons was mentally deficient.
Although these hardships would most likely contribute depth of expression and a frank quality to his music; they certainly must also have contributed to his famous temper and lack of organization. It seems many of his biographers stress these shortcomings without even considering the emotional impact of so many tragedies.
These facts also make a profound statement on his unwavering faith and love for God.
Bach to Weimar
It would be a few years of being part of the musical machinary at Weimar before Bach would achieve the position where he could once again write church music.
1708 - "Cammermusicus"
or in simpler terms; harpsichordist and/or violinist in the band of the Duke of Weimar - one Duke Wilhelm Ernst, (brother of the more congenial Duke Johann Ernst - who employed Bach to play violin in his band for a few months in 1703).This would mean no cantatas for now, but rather getting dressed up in Hungarian costume from time to time and quite possibly doing menial tasks such as that of a footman.
1710 - Court Organist
Now we're getting somewhere...but not with church music. Instead Bach gets busy on the organ and writes a nice chunk of the beloved chorale preludes . Interestingly; the castle organ was tuned a minor third higher than standard pitch.
1714 - "Concertmeister"
(great title) Here's where we get the twenty-something Weimar cantatas we currently have out of the thirty he probably wrote (one a month from March 1714 - December 1716).
1716 - "keep it in the family"
When "Capellmeister" Johann Drese passes on, Bach gets the raw deal when the Duke first tries to secure Telemann; and then having failed gives the promotion to Drese's son, who apparantly stunk up the joint. Bach; now obviously miffed, gets offered the same post by one Prince Leopold in Anhalt-Cothen in August
1717 and of course; grabs it. (Is it coincidence that Prince Leopold is brother-in-law to Duke Wilhelm's nephew; who he hated?) Bach, meanwhile; is ordered to stay at Weimar. Bach refuses (good for Bach!). Refusing the Duke landed his german backside squarely in jail where he stayed for a month (bad for Bach! although he uses the time to work on the "Orgelbuchlein") from Nov. 2nd - Dec. 2nd 1717. Finally he is let go with the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge.
Perspective:
Some other things that were happening around the world while Bach was in Weimar....
1709 - Cristofori invents the pianoforte; 1st cologne sold in Cologne, Germany; Ben Franklin is 3 years old.
1710 - American postal system started; Le Blon develops 3 color printing.
1711 - Vivaldi comes out with L'estro Armonico Op. 3
1712 - Thomas Newcomen invents 1st successful steam engine. Pennsylvania bans import of slaves.
1714 - The mercury thermometer, the typewriter, Elector of Hanover (Handel's patron) becomes King George I of England. Tea comes to America.
1715 - France's new king is all of 5 years old! Louis XV
1716 - China prohibits Christian teaching.
1717 - Handel pens "Water Music" suites.
For more on Handel - click on his axe!
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