Bach Choir -- Cantata Concert

The 2018-19 Barnett & Company Cantata Series continues on Sunday, October 21, with Bach’s Cantata BWV 38, Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (Out of deep anguish I call to You), composed for the 21st Sunday after Trinity. Completing the hour-long program are Renaissance master Orlando di Lasso’s a cappella setting of Psalm 39, Dixi custodiam vias meas (I will watch my words), and Bach’s chorale prelude for organ, Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 687 from Clavierübung III. Joining the Bach Choir are solo artists Cynthia Johnson, soprano; Sara Snider Schone, mezzo-soprano; James Harr, tenor; Zachary J. Cavan, bass, and Karla Fowkes, organ.

David Long notes, “Our second cantata concert of this season takes place on the 21st Sunday after Trinity and features the cantata Bach wrote in 1724 for this particular Sunday in the church year. In the Lutheran service, the cantata served as both musical commentary and reflection on the gospel readings, which for this Sunday are concerned with the steadfastness of faith against all odds. Bach bases this cantata on Martin Luther’s penitential hymn written in 1524, which is a paraphrase of Psalm 130, “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.” Commenting on the psalm, Luther wrote that it was coming from “…a truly penitent heart that is most deeply moved in its distress.” In this Cantata, Bach uses the hymn melody for the opening chorus, weaving intricate vocal lines through counterpoint and imitation to heighten the emotional anguish in the words. In all his vocal writing, Bach treats his singers as instrumentalists, giving them demanding parts. The middle movements for solo voices and instruments offer commentary on the penitential theme alternating between heartfelt expressions of hope and despair. In the final chorus, the hymn returns in an uplifting four-part setting that brings the work to a hopeful, comforting conclusion. Also on the program are a motet setting of Psalm 39 by the Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso, and Bach’s magnificent chorale prelude for organ based on Luther’s hymn tune heard in the cantata. The Bach Choir offers these musical meditations as a brief respite in our daily lives.

The Bach Choir’s Barnett & Company Cantata Series explores J.S. Bach’s more than 200 cantatas written for every Sunday in the church year. David Long introduces each Cantata with a brief musical explanation placing each work in its liturgical context. The 2018-19 season continues in 2019 on February 17: BWV 144, Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin (3rd Sunday before Lent); and March 31: BWV 1, Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (Feast of the Annunciation). All concerts take place at Christ Church Episcopal (663 Douglas Street) at 5 p.m.