Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach: Sämtliche Motetten: (Arr. Paul Horn): Chœur Mixte et Accomp.

The popularity of Johann Sebastian Bach’s motets is matched by the problematic manner in which they have been handed down to us. The autograph scores and parts used by Bach have been preserved for only two motets. For the remaining motets we must be content with copies whose reliability is, at best, inconsistent. Current editions of the motets are based primarily on the Neue Bach-Ausgabe [1965], which until now has been widely accepted as the standard text for these works. In the meantime, however, additional copies have been discovered and our knowledge concerning the music of Bach has been considerably advanced. In light of these developments it was time for acomplete critical reevaluation of the complex situation of the sources. The result is an edition in which the music has changed in countless details and it is hoped that we have come a good deal closer to the intentions of Bach. In addition to the famous six motets, the collection also contains “Ich lasse dich nicht” BWV Anh. 159 and “Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt” BWV Anh. 160. In recent times “Ich lasse dich nicht” has been counted among Bach’s authentic works. The motet “Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt” is a combination of movements by Telemann and Bach. Those attributable to Bach include a setting of the chorale “Sei Lob und Preis” from Cantata BWV 28; this was also handed down by itself as BWV 231.