Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd

Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd BWV 208
Congratulatory Cantata for the Birthday of Duke Christian of Saxony-Weissenfels and of Duke Ernst August of Saxony-Weimar

The hunting cantata, the earliest secular cantata of Bach's which has come down to us, was performed for the birthday of Duke Christian of Saxony-Weissenfels (23February) - according to most recent research very probably in the year 1713. It was later performed again for the birthday of Duke Ernst August of Saxony-Weimar (the co-regent of Duke Wilhelm Ernst).

Bach's score employs taut musical forms; noteworthy - and entirely characteristic ofBach's early style - is the dominant role of the continuo in recitatives and arias. The setting is in chamnber music style.

- Urtext of the New Bach Edition

- Full score & performance material (BA10208) and vocal score (BA10208-90) available for sale