Bach: Kantate BWV 61 Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (I) (Studiepartituur)

The opening chorus uses the first verse of the old plainsong hymn “Veni redemptor gentium”, which in the paraphrase by Martin Luther has become the most important Advent hymn of the Protestant Church. Bach introduces the traditional plainsong melody in the form of a French overture, here symbolizing the entry of the King of Heaven, thus creating an unusual and splendid opening piece for the beginning of the church year.