Klagt, Kinder, klagt es aller Welt, BWV 244a
Klagt, Kinder, klagt es aller Welt (Cry, children, cry to all the world), also known as Köthener Trauermusik (Köthen funeral music), BWV 1143, BWV 244a, is a cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it in 1729 for the funeral of Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen. The music is lost, but the libretto survives. As Bach is known to have used musical material which also appeared in two surviving works, one being the St Matthew Passion, it has been possible to make reconstructions.
| Köthener Trauermusik | |
|---|---|
BWV 1143 · 244a | |
| Secular cantata by J. S. Bach | |
St. Jakob, Köthen | |
| Related | based on movements from St Matthew Passion and BWV 198 |
| Occasion | Funeral |
| Cantata text | Picander |
| Performed | 23 March 1729: Köthen |
| Movements | 24 in four parts |
The cantata is in 24 movements (choruses, arias and recitatives) divided into four parts. The first deals with the principality in mourning, the second the prince's departing and the salvation of his soul. The third part, followed by a homily, details Leopold's commemoration. The final section is about the farewell and about eternal rest.