Every year he worked in Zerbst (from 1722–58), the Hofkapelle under Fasch's direction had to perform at least three cantatas: Satuday Vespers, Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon. In addition, there were works for other feasts, such as the 2nd and 3rd days of Christmas, Easter and Whitsun, the so-called Apostle Days, the anniversaries of the consecration of the palace chapel and the Reformation, and special pieces for royal birthdays. From his arrival onwards, a pattern emerged whereby the "regular" cantatas came from cycles that included texts for each feast. The cycle that was performed over the two Sunday services in 1735–36 (the church year starts with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas) was repeated several times, even after the composer's death. It is also the one that has the best survival record into modern times.

50 volumes will present all of the surviving music, as well as background to the performances and those involved in them, as well as information about the clergy in Zerbst, a history of local hymn writing (including one of the princes!), and other music that featured in services throughout that year.