All of Bach's six motets were written between 1723 and 1727 for St Thomas' Church, Leipzig, where Bach was appointed as director of music in 1723. These were occasional compositions for special occasions; four of the six were written for funeral services of prominent Leipzig citizens.

'Der Geist hilft' BWV 226 might have induced mixed feelings for Bach as it was commissioned for the funeral of Johann Ernesti, Rector of Bach's Thomas Schule, who had let things slide almost to a point of decrepitude – though his death subsequently prompted a thorough upgrading of the school building. Performance took place in St Paul's University Church, 20th October 1729. Likewise 'Jesu Meine Freude' BWV 227, the longest, most musically complex and the earliest of the six, was written in 1723 for the funeral of Johanna Maria Käsin, the wife of Leipzig's postmaster.

Whatever the occasion, Bach brings his special musical skills to bear on these beautiful chorale-like works.