This recording is of the opening Sonatina movement of JS Bach’s cantata Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106.

The music was written for a funeral in 1707/08, the title translating as ‘God's time is the very best time’. It is thought to be one of Bach’s earliest cantatas.

There is a strong tradition of Bach performance at the Academy, with a current long-term concert series entitled Bach the European: from Ancient Cosmos towards Enlightenment. These creatively programmed concerts examine the context of Bach’s music in 18th Century Europe, using themes such as politics, drama and liturgy.

This concert from March 2019, conducted by 2016 Academy Bach Prize winner Philippe Herreweghe, was entitled Bach and the Extended Family and featured music by his son, JC Bach (the elder).