Bach - Cantata Meine Seel erhebt den Herren BWV 10 - Creed | Netherlands Bach Society

The cantata ’Meine Seel erhebt den Herren’, performed here by the Netherlands Bach Society for All of Bach, was written by Bach for the Feast of Visitation on 2 July 1724 in Leipzig. The church reading for that day was the passage from the Gospel of Luke that describes the expectant Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting. When the two women greet one another, Elizabeth’s baby (who grew up to be John the Baptist) jumps for joy in her belly, as he recognises Jesus in Mary’s belly. Then Mary bursts into what is known as Mary’s hymn of praise, or the Magnificat. Following a short instrumental introduction, the chorus enters in a joyful chorale. The long lines in the orchestra contrast with the quick, lively parts for the choir, creating an effect of exuberant cheerfulness and energy – also later on, when the roles are reversed. The joyful mood continues in the jumpy, dancy soprano aria. The many leaps automatically suggest the baby’s jumps for joy in Elizabeth’s belly. The quic