Johann Sebastian Bach’s chorale cantata “Now my soul exalts the Lord” (BWV 10) was composed in 1724 for the Feast of Visitation (2 July). Its themes are based on the Marian hymn of praise (Magnificat) from the Gospel according to Luke. Bach gave the free combination of poetic paraphrase and Biblical text a varied musical setting ranging from the mighty opening chorus via two large arias to an intimate duet and richly pictorial recitatives. Despite the small instrumental forces of “ad libitum” trumpet, two oboes, strings and basso continuo, Bach creates a majestic musical language appropriate to the Magnificat. This Urtext performing edition is based on the “New Bach Edition”. • Bach cantata with a small instrumental ensemble • Based on the Urtext of the “New Bach Edition” • Performance duration of 20-25 minutes Editor: Uwe Wolf, Piano Reduction: Matthias Grünert