On the great feast days the Magnificat was given at the evening service in Leipzig following the sermon. Bach twice set this poem (Luke I 46-55). One of these compositions for solo soprano has been lost. Of the other Magnificat Bach composed his first version In E-flat with four inserted Christmas pieces prepared for the evening service that holiday 1723. His revision of 1728-31 In D Major omitting the Christmas movements was intended for use on any major feast day.Bach composed the motets for special occasions probably for the birthdays funerals or memorial services of prominent Leipzig citizens.In this edition five of the six motets are scored for acappella chouus: Nos. 1 2 4 and 5 for double chorus (SATB/SATB) No. 3 for various combinations of three- four- and five-part voices. Motet 6 is scored for SATB and continuo.

Bach newly interpreted - the vocal band Slixs edited a songbook for mixed vocal ensemble or small choral ensemble containing unusual arrangements of instrumental works by Johann Sebastian Bach. The arrangements range between classical interpretation and flirting with jazz. They demand from the singers a profound basic education in music and flexible alternation between the voices. Explanations of how to pronounce the syllables to be sung help to generate equal instrumental tones. / Choeur Mixte