Joyful be, O ransomed flock BWV 30

Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl,2 Ob/Obda, Vl solo, 2 Vl, Va, Bc

The cantata Freue dich, erlöste Schar BWV 30 is one of Bach’s last church cantatas. Originally composed as a parody of the cantata Angenehmes Wiederau BWV 30a for the Feast of St. John’s Day in 1738, it still enjoys a great popularity today. Its extraordinary length [12 movements] made it possible for Bach to employ four vocal soloists who, together with instrumental soloists, choir and orchestra contribute to the generally festive character of this work.