At the end of 1722 Bach, after long and anxious deliberation, offered himself for the appointment.
He did not wish to leave his comfortable post at Cöthen, and moreover the position of cantor was somewhat less dignified than the office of capellmeister. On the other hand, the education of his sons could be better carried out at Leipsic, and the marriage of the Prince had to some extent put him out of favour. After some three months’ hesitation, acting on the advice of friends, he went to Leipsic and performed his test piece, “Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe” (Peters, 1290), on February 7, 1723.
The Agreement
On the retirement of Graupner Bach was chosen, with the proviso that if he could not teach all the Latin required, they would pay a deputy to do it for him. Not wishing to be behind his predecessor Kuhnau, he undertook all the duties, but soon finding the Latin too much of a task, he paid his colleague Pezold 50 thalers per annum to relieve him of this part of his work. He had to sign an agreement to lead a respectable and sober life; to be faithful and diligent in the performance of his duties; to have a proper respect for the Council; not to make the church music too long or too operatic; to instruct the boys in instrumental as well as vocal music; to treat them with humanity; not to send incapable singers to the New Church;[40] not to make any journeys without permission from the Burgomaster; and not to accept any office in the University without leave from the Council.[41]
After signing this agreement, he had to pass an examination as to his religious views, and on the 13th of May 1723, he was confirmed in the appointment: though the installation did not take place till the 31st.
St Thomas’ Church, Leipsic
Bach’s residence was in the left side of the school buildings: but in 1731 the building was enlarged and he for a year lived in a temporary residence, for which the Council paid a rent of 60 thalers.
This particular post of cantor was one of the most important in Germany and had been always held by a distinguished man. The work was not heavy, though the list of duties seems a long one; and he would have time for his own engrossing occupation of composing. He still held the rank of a capellmeister, and in addition to that of Cöthen, he was given honorary rank as capellmeister of the Court of Weissenfels in the year he removed to Leipsic.