Motets by Johann Sebastian Bach

Bach’s motets have long been some of his best-known compositions. They are scored for between four and eight parts, with the eight-part works scored for double choir. These are expansive compositions for special occasions, mainly for funerals. In recent years the well-known six motets have been joined by an early motet, very probably by Bach, Ich lasse dich nicht BWV Anh. 159. The chorale movement O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht BWV 118 also belongs to the group of motets, although it also requires obbligato instruments.