These 6 works comprise J S Bach’s complete output of German motets – in stark contrast to his prolific cantata output of over 200 works.

German motets occupied a specific place in the canon of liturgical music in the 16th to 18 Centuries. They were performed solely by the choir schools during services, the congregation remaining silent. Consequently, the writing is more complex than that found in works where the congregation could join in. It was customary for two motets to be sung at Sunday services, Vespers, weddings, funerals church induction ceremonies, inaugurations and university gatherings.

Bach’s works date from his time as cantor at St Thomas’s church in Leipzig, where one of his duties was to provide music for minor ceremonies.

These are period instrument performances, recorded in 2007. The accompanying booklet contains notes and sung texts.