Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels

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Christian (6 February 1682 – 23 June 1736, Sangerhausen) was Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels from 1712 until his death.^[1]

Biography

Christian was born in Weissenfels on 25 June 1677, the second surviving son of Johann Adolf I, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels and his first wife, Johanna Magdalena of Saxe-Altenburg.^[1] He inherited the Duchy of Saxe-Weissenfels in 1712, following the death of his older brother Johann Georg, who had no living male children.^[2]

Christian continued the policy of

; it substantially limited the duke's capacity to shape political policies.

Bach cantatas

For his 31st birthday in the year 1713, the composer

. The hunt is characterized as an activity suitable for princes.

Franck was the Weimar court poet, and it is probable that the Hunting Cantata was intended by

as a gift for Christian. However, Bach received later commissions directly from the court at Weissenfels. For Christian's 43rd birthday in 1725 Bach wrote the Shepherd cantata Entfliehet, verschwindet, entweichet, ihr Sorgen, BWV 249a (en: "Escape, disappear, disperse, ye sorrows"), its music is lost but survived as the parody setting of the Easter Oratorio. In 1729 Bach wrote O angenehme Melodei, BWV 210a for the duke's visit to Leipzig.

Marriage and Succession

In Stolberg on 12 May 1712, Christian married Louise Christine of Stolberg-Stolberg-Ortenberg, Dowager Countess of Mansfeld-Eisleben.

For this occasion, the Elector

(de: Grünes Gewölbe).

Christian's marriage was childless. Without heirs, he was succeeded on his death by his younger brother, Johann Adolf II.

References

Christian, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels House of Wettin Born: 6 February 1682 Died: 23 June 1736
Preceded by Johann Georg	Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels 1712–1736	Succeeded by Johann Adolf II