Magnificat (Bach)

Autograph of the late version in D major: first page of the score with the first six bars of the first movement

Magnificat is a work by Johann Sebastian Bach, that uses the text of the Latin Magnificat. There are two different versions. They are referenced as BWV 243 and BWV 243a. The first version (BWV 243a) is in E-flat major. It was first performed in 1723. The second version is in D major . Bach created this version between 1732 and 1735, most likely in 1733. Today, the version in D major is played more often.

The work is for choir and orchestra. There are the standard voices soprano, alto, tenor and bass. At times, the soprano voice is split in two. There are five soloists.