The full title of Cantata BWV 191 “Gloria in excelsis Deo” is often attributed to Bach. However, there is some debate among scholars about its authorship, and some suggest that it may have been composed by someone else in the Bach family or a student of Bach.
This piece is a setting of the Gloria text, a part of the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Mass. It is a relatively concise work compared to some of Bach’s other choral compositions. The text “Gloria in excelsis Deo” is Latin for “Glory to God in the highest,” and it is a hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity.
Interpreting Bach’s compositions demands a solid foundation in both technical and interpretative aspects of violin playing. Therefore, an intermediate level of proficiency is recommended for those wishing to embark on the journey of performing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” on the violin.