Solomon’s Knot

This programme celebrates J.S. Bach’s use of the horn.
His popular ‘Hunting Cantata’, Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd! BWV 208, was composed in 1713 for the birthday of Duke Christian von Sachsen-Weißenfels, who was a keen hunter. The Duke later provided the Thomaskantor with a Hofkapellmeister title, which further strengthened Bach’s reputation and status.
Horns are ‘to the fore’ in both Brandenburg Concerto No.1 and Mass in F major – with the instrument bridging the spiritual with the secular. Indeed, who knows whether Schafe können sicher weiden (“Sheep may safely graze”), which forms such a famous part of the Hunting Cantata, was intended for Duke or Deity in the composer’s mind!