'Ein feste Burg is unser Gott' Cantata - Context

Question	Answer
When, where and why was the Cantata first performed?	First performed - 31st October 1730 Where - St Thomas' Church in Leipzig (where Bach was the director) Why - It was composed to mark the Festival of the Reformation - celebration of Martin Luther's break with the Roman Catholic Church.
Who was Martin Luther?	Martin Luther was born on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben. On 31 October 1517, he published his '95 Theses', attacking papal abuses and the sale of indulgences. Luther died on 18 February 1546 in Eisleben.
Who was Bach?	Johann Sebastian Bach was born on the 31st of March 1685 and died 28 July 1750 in Leipzig. He was a German baroque composer. He enriched established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France.
What did this cantata require?	Vocal soloists, a small chorus, orchestra and continuo.
What does it mean by multi-movement work and how does this fit into the Cantata piece?	Besides chorus, the Cantata included recitatives, arias and duets.
What religious reading was the Cantata sung before?	The sermon

Resource summary

	Created by Nieve Stenton over 7 years ago