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Today in History: Bach premieres Pentecost cantata at Schloss Weimar

5/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 20 May 1714, Johann Sebastian Bach conducted the premiere of his Pentecost cantata *Erschallet, ihr Lieder* (BWV 172) in the Schlosskirche of the ducal palace in Weimar, marking his first Weimar-era church work and inaugurating a series of liturgical cantatas that would define his later output.

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Story summary

On 20 May 1714, Johann Sebastian Bach conducted the premiere of his Pentecost cantata *Erschallet, ihr Lieder* (BWV 172) in the Schlosskirche of the ducal palace in Weimar, marking his first Weimar-era church work and inaugurating a series of liturgical cantatas that would define his later output.