Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) was better known as a virtuoso organist than as a composer in his day. His sacred music, organ and choral works, and other instrumental music had an enthusiasm and seeming freedom that concealed immense rigor. Bach's use of counterpoint was brilliant and innovative, and the immense complexities of his compositional style -- which often included religious and numerological symbols that seem to fit perfectly together in a profound puzzle of special codes -- still amaze musicians today. Many consider him the greatest composer of all time.

"Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen" ("Praise your good fortune, blessed Saxony"), BWV 215, is a secular cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed the "cantata gratulatoria" (congratulatory cantata) or "Dramma per musica" (drama in music) in Leipzig as a Festmusik für das kurfürstlich sächsische Haus (Festive music for the court of the Electorate of Saxony) for the anniversary of the election of August III, Elector of Saxony, as King of Poland, and first performed it on 5 October 1734 in the presence of the Elector.

Although originally created as Coro (Chorus) "Stifter der Reiche, Beherrscher der Kronen" ("Founders of Empires, Rulers of the Crowns") for Voice and accompainment, I created this arrangement for Winds (Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet & Bassoon) and Strings (Violins (2), Viola & Cello).