jan 1, 1724 - Ein' Feste Burg BWV 80
Description:
What Music Is For1. Almost two decades after Christ lag, Bach composed a cantata on the Reformation
chorale: Ein’ feste Burg (BWV 80) for performance in Leipzig, 31 October 1724.
2. Enlightenment writers saw music as something that was pleasant, gratifying, and
improving, but ultimately unnecessary.
3. Bach’s view was vastly different—he belonged to an earlier era when music could
persuade and reveal. If what he wished to convey was positive, the music conveyed that. But if he was after a different emotion or reaction, Bach could write very disturbing music that is difficult to accept as “pleasing.”
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1724
Now
~ 301 years ago