Bach: Cantata No. 206 “Schleicht, spielende Wellen” / Masaaki Suzuki, Bach Collegium Japan
In 1733, Friedrich Augustus II succeeded as Elector of Saxony (and King of Poland). At that time, Bach hoped to be appointed court composer and dedicated his Kyrie Gloria Mass in B minor (the first two of later Mass in B minor, BWV 232) to Augustus, a Catholic. This plan was fulfilled, and about three years later Bach received the title of court composer. Cantata No. 206 was composed for the birthday of the Elector of Saxony, Friedrich Augustus II, on October 17, 1734, but was cancelled due to the Elector’s urgent visit to Leipzig that year, and No. 215 was composed instead. The performance of No. 206 is said to have been postponed to 1736. The lyrics of the cantata are by Picander and are sung by four soloists (bass, tenor, alto, and soprano) who play the roles of the four rivers that flow through the Saxon territory: Weichsel, Elbe, Donau and Pleiße. The first and last choruses are celebratory pieces, including three trumpets and timpani. #baroque #bach #cantata #片山俊幸
