The Chamberlain is now our Squire BWV 212

The Peasant Cantata BWV 212 is unique in Bach’s cantata output both in content and musically. Although it belongs to Bach's homage cantatas, the text deals only indirectly with praise for a new chamberlain. Rather, the eloquent characters portray situations from rural life, which are also reflected in the music: Bach often drew on well-known dance movements and folk tunes. Because of this the cantata as a whole seems less "academic" than his (surviving) sacred vocal music.

Just two arias were composed in the typical da capo structure in which the musicians’ abilities are put to the test. But because of the shortness of the other movements, the cantata is extremely varied. Picander’s humorous text makes the cantata extremely versatile, far beyond its original purpose.

Scoring: Soli SB, Fl, Cor, 2 Vl, Va, Bc