The Choir & Orchestra of the J.S. Bach Foundation is in the process of performing the complete vocal works of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), a remarkable undertaking that will take about 25 years in total.

The cantata "Jesu, nun sei gepreiset" BWV 41 was the weighty New Year's contribution to Bach's chorale year of 1724/25. It therefore always looks both ahead and back, imploring the strengthening grace of heaven to be able to cope with the world and Satan at all times. The final chorale, with its brass interludes, and above all the opening movement, with its three instrumental choirs, lend the cantata a representative festive character, and Bach performs the unusually long chorale song in a particularly varied manner, both rhythmically and in terms of setting. For the two arias, on the other hand, he used three oboes and a violoncello piccolo to create characterful timbres that lend soulful expression to the pastoral "Hallelujah" and a heart-warming vision of peace.

TRACKLIST:

1.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41 - I. Chor - Jesu, nun sei gepreiset
2.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset , BWV 41 - II. Arie (Sopran) - Laß uns, o höchster Gott, das Jahr vollbringen
3.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41  - III. Rezitativ (Alt) - Ach! deine Hand, dein Segen muß allein
4.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41 - IV. Arie (Tenor) - Woferne du den edlen Frieden
5.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41  - V. Rezitativ (Bass) und Chor - Doch weil der Feind bei Tag und Nacht
6.    J. S. Bach: Kantate zu Neujahr: Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41  - VI. Choral - Dein ist allein die Ehre