Johann Sebastian Bach: Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut.
Music and Theatre Department, mu 6701.0731

First page of the cantata	Second page of the cantata

This manuscript containing Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut is written by Bach himself. The cantata was performed for the first time in the chapel of the castle in Weimar in August 1714. It is connected with the text for the 11th Sunday after Trinity about the Pharisee and the publican and describes the consciousness of sin in man, but also the consolation and reconciliation with God. The eight parts, mostly arias and recitatives as well as one choral, are orchestrated for solo soprano, oboe, strings, and continuo. The Royal Library received the manuscript via the music lover, counsellor of justice Peter Grønland (1761-1825) no later than 1842, but it was not until 1911 that scholars became aware of the manuscript. Today it is considered a principal source of the composition.

32.7 x 19.9 cm.

See the entire manuscript (NB! pdf file 5.5 MB) or get more information on the website of the Music and Theatre Department
The cantata “Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut” in Johann Sebastian Bach’s own handwriting (only in Danish).

© Det Kongelige Bibliotek 2003