Bach digital -

Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750)

Lass, Fürstin, lass noch einen Strahl (cantata, ode)

BWV 198; BC G 34^GND

For the University

Genre

Secular cantata

Scoring

S*, A*, T*, B*, S, A, T, B; 2 Fl trav, 2 Ob, 2 Ob d’am, 2 Vl, Va, 2 Vdg, Lute, Lute, Bc

Date of origin, Work history

vor dem 17. Oktober 1727

First performance on October 17, 1727, in the University Church during the academic memorial service for the Saxon Electress and Queen of Poland, Christiane Eberhardine: On the 17th of this month, the funeral ceremonies took place, [...] the mourning music was composed by Mr. Capelmeister Joh. Sebast. Bach [Den 17. dieses ergingen die Begräbnis Solennitäten, [...] die Trauer Music wurde von Herr Capelmeister Joh. Sebast. Bachen componieret] (Riemer Chronicle, Volume 1, page 218; see Dok. II Nr. 230, also Nr. 231–235). The music for movement 1 and 10 was likely used as a parody template in 1729 for BWV 1143/1 and 7; similarly, in 1731 movements 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 were incorporated into BWV 247.1/1, 17, 9, 24, and 46

Early performances

1727-17-10, Leipzig, Universitätskirche St. Pauli (Premiere) (Link to event)
Die Trauerrede hielt Hans Carl von Kirchbach, ein adliger Student, der auch die Veranstaltung bei der Regierung in Dresden und bei der Universität Leipzig veranlaßt hatte. Bach dirigierte sein Werk selbst.

Introduction to the work

Link to videos:

Lass, Fürstin, lass noch einen Strahl (Trauerode), BWV 198 (Netherlands Bach Society)

Libretto

J. C. Gottsched. Original text print: Leipzig 1727 V; further text prints: Leipzig 1728 I, page [19]; Leipzig 1728 II, page 79; Ranft 1728, page 406; Sicul 1727 II, page 23; Sicul 1730, page 499

Link to lyrics