Ratswechsel 1731
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Bach has written no less than 27 Ratswechsel cantatas that we know of, but only 6 remain intact (1 in Mühlhausen, 5 in Leipzig), for some others we only have the lyrics. This Ratswechsel cantata was written in 1731: Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29.

Most Ratswechsel cantatas are very festive, not only because of the occasion, but also because the performance was done in front of many high officials, so all performers wanted to shine, and Bach gave them plenty opportunity to do so.

Music for today

• Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir, BWV 29
  (first performance 27 August 1731, Leipzig period)