Advent and Christmas (61): chorale arrangement "In dulci jubilo" BWV 729

In 1703, at the age of 18, Bach took up his first position as an organist in Arnstadt. 1705
he spends four months (instead of one, as approved) with Dietrich Buxtehude in Lübeck; soon after he returned, he had to answer to the disgruntled council: He would have mixed many odd things in his chorale playing and confused the community through strange variationes...

Bach integrated virtuoso interludes, daring harmonies, powerful chords and rhythmic extravagances in his chorale accompaniments - BWV 729 belongs to this type of former called 'Arnstadt chorales', who may challenge a listening (or singing) church community... The musical impetus of the young Bach makes this brilliant, playful piece with its 'unheard' ideas for a festive Christmas spectacle.