Around Christmas in 1717, Bach attained the position of Kapellmeister in Cöthen.As stated previously, he held no posisition attributed to the organ, and merely worked with a small orchestra. It is believed that the Prince also played in this orchestra as a violinist. He being not even 25 was very proud of his new Kapellmeister, and took Bach with him on several journeys.

It is obvious that the musical conditions were not necessarily good, but the position was a nice and comfortable one.Bach and Prince Leopold became good friends as the Prince had some idea of a musical background. In 1718 and 1720, Bach journeyed with the Prince to Carlsbad, along with six other members of the orchestra.At the baptism of Bach's seventh child in 1718, the Prince, his brother, and sister, all stood as sponsors of the child.

In that same year, Bach was called to Leipzig to report on a new organ in St. Pauls Church. On his return from Carlsbad in July 1720, he received the news that his wife had passed away. Bach then composed a new cantata called "He that exalteth Himself" which was performed in November of 1720 in Hamburg.

to be continued later...