This Magnificat, which is also the only made by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), was premiered on Christmas Day 1723-the year the composer arrived in Leipzig as Thomaskantor-before being revised and given its final form in the early 1730's. The most dramatic number in this hymn of the Virgin Mary, the tenor's aria 'Deposuit potentes' illustrates with great figurative vocalizations the overthrow of the powerful from their throne and the elevation of the humble.

Magnificat, BWV 243 - Deposuit Potentes

Johann Sebastian Bach

Magnificat, BWV 243 - Deposuit Potentes

Johann Sebastian Bach

Available movements