One of the points Cholak brings out in the cantata analysis is the intimate relationship between text and music.  The music was not indifferent — it helped to support and interpret the text.

. . . the Gottestienst experience is not a mono-sense experience, but that our Lord engages all of our first article gifts to convey his love.  It is not just something to be read, but becomes alive in the very eyes, ears, and all our members he has given us.

P.S.  The complete works of Bach on 155 CDs are available from Amazon for $90.99 – only $0.58/CD!  60 of those CDs contain the cantatas.  I can’t vouch for the performance quality, but I still have enjoyed listening to the treasures of Bach.

Thanks for reading Bach’s Road to Leipzig.