The Peasant Cantata BWV 212 is unique in Bach’s cantata output both in content and musically. Although it belongs to Bach's homage cantatas, the text deals only indirectly with praise for a new chamberlain. Rather, the eloquent characters portray situations from rural life, which are also reflected in the music: Bach often drew on well-known dance movements and folk tunes. Because of this the cantata as a whole seems less "academic" than his (surviving) sacred vocal music.

Just two arias wer...