Contemporary commentaries of hymns. A source to understand Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred vocal works

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The project will focus on Johann Sebastian Bachs compositional approach to the Lutheran hymnal tradition. Seemingly, an abundance of secondary literature regarding this topic already exists. However, until now, no attempts have been made at exploring the contemporary tradition of interpretation of these hymns during the first half of the eighteenth century. In short, the idea that Bachs supposedly unique approach to the hymns, e. g. the great opening choruses of the Leipzig choral cantatas of 1724/1725, is also a result of contemporary interpretation of them. Contemporary commentaries of the hymns (Liederkommentare) are unparalleled sources to learn about and to understand this tradition. The project is divided in three steps: Initially, the genre of the Liederkommentare is to be expanded upon. This will be followed by the selection of the vocal works which will be examined, and, finally, the selected vocal works will be examined and reflected upon through the contemporary Liederkommentare.