Chapter 53 BWV 30 Freue dich, erlste Schar

Rejoice, redeemed masses.

For Saint John’s Day
PART 1
Chorus–recit (bass)–aria (bass)–recit (alto)–aria (alto)–chorale
PART 2
Recit (bass)–aria (bass)–recit (sop)–aria (sop)–recit (tenor)–chorus.

There are three extant cantatas for the Feast of John the Baptist of which C 30 is by far the latest. Originally a secular cantata it was adapted for liturgical use and possibly first performed in 1738 (Drr p691-2). The structure and libretto of the initial work may be found in Drr pp880-883.