First Performance of Cantata BWV 39

Date: June 23, 1726 • Location: Rome, Italy

On the First Sunday after Trinity, J. S. Bach led the first performance of Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brot, BWV 39 (page pictured), one of a few new cantatas written that year.

Throughout his life as a musician, Johann Sebastian Bach composed cantatas for both secular and sacred use. He composed his church cantatas for use in the Lutheran church, mainly intended for the occasions of the liturgical year.