(Jesus took to him the twelve) for alto, tenor and bass, vocal ensemble, oboe, strings and continuo

“Note: this is the audition piece for Leipzig” – this note by one of Bach’s Leipzig copyists on BWV 22 “Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe” (Jesus took to him the twelve) confirms that this cantata was composed as part of Bach’s application for the position of Thomascantor. It is worth noting that the appointment of Bach, at that time Kapellmeister in Köthen, was not as self-evident as his posthumous fame would imply. In fact, following the death of Bach’s predecessor, Johann Kuhnau, on 5 June 1722, it was Georg Philipp Telemann, well-connected in Leipzig since his student days, who was initially sought for the post. It was not until Telemann declined the position that a formal application process for composers outside of Leipzig commenced. From the field of applicants, it was Bach and Johann Christian Graupner from Darmstadt who eventually received the opportunity to present two cantatas at a church service. Bach was assigned the occasion of Estomihi (the Sunday before Lent) on 7 February 1723 and completed the major part of his compositions in Köthen: the aforementioned BWV 22 for the sermon and BWV 23 “Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn” (Thou, very God and David’s son) for Communion.