October 8
Cantata 123 was premiered on January 6, 1725 for the Feast of the Epiphany, as the last of the six Christmas cantatas for that season. The chorale that closes this cantata is harmonized in a straightforward but beautiful way. Unusually for a chorale, the last lines are repeated, with an additionally rare explicit dynamic marking that the repeat be sung and played quietly. This emphasizes the last words of the chorale, which translate to:
My entire life
be dedicated to you, until finally I am laid in the grave.
Reminds me of you