Bach’s Magnificat was first performed in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. In Rome, in time-honoured tradition, the Pope invited the College of Cardinals and other guests from the world of politics and high society to a Christmas celebration at which a newly-commissioned work was performed for their edification. 

The music was composed by the teenager Giovannino del Violoncello, alias Giovanni Battista Costanzi. The Libretto was written by Filippo Leers, a well known member of the Accademia dell’ Arcadia.