(Deck thyself, O soul beloved) for soprano, alto, tenor and bass, vocal ensemble, recorder I+II, flute, oboe, oboe da caccia, bassoon, strings and continuo.

The two great Bach experts Robert Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn must have mused one day over Bach’s famous organ chorale “Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele” (BWV 654). As later recalled by Schumann, Mendelssohn had confided to him that should he ever feel all was lost in this life, this chorale alone would restore it to him. Written in a consoling, Trinitarian E flat major, the uplifting effect this work had on Mendelssohn was perhaps not only the result of Bach’s ingenious organ composition, but also the enchanting beauty of the chorale text by Johann Frank and its musical setting by Johann Krüger from 1649. Whatever the case may be, upon listening to the cantata BWV 180 “Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele” (Deck thyself, O soul beloved), it is difficult to shake the impression that this Communion hymn also inspired Bach to create a work of spiritual fulfilment and joy.