About ambition

When can a person be truly content? Bach explored this question beautifully in his renowned cantata Ich habe genug (I have enough). Famous composers are just like people. Despite their success, Bach and Zelenka always longed for more throughout their careers. Jan Dismas Zelenka was widely admired, also by Bach. He left behind an unparalleled, magnificent oeuvre from the vibrant city of Dresden – the place to be for a Baroque composer. Yet, Zelenka never attained the one position he so aspired to: Kapellmeister at the Dresden court.

Bach’s Ich habe genug is an ode to contentment. A deep contentment that says: all is good. Life has achieved its purpose. This may sound heavy, yet with Bach, it feels surprisingly light. The music breathes stillness, warmth, and a sense of surrendering. Particularly in the famous aria with oboe, one hears not despair, but relaxation: the world can be let go, without struggle. Here, contentment becomes resignation, and resignation becomes peace.