 Bach first performed the cantata on 1 January 1726.The cantata in six movements is scored for three vocal soloists (alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, corno da caccia, two oboes, oboe da caccia, two violins, viola, violetta (alternative in a later performance) and basso continuo.In the opening chorus the soprano and the horn present the liturgical melody of the "Te Deum", whereas the lower voices move in vivid counterpoint, but also a fourth part of oboe I and violin I.