Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
Bach Choir continues cantata series Sunday
The Chattanooga Bach Choir continues its Barnett & Company Cantata Series on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 21, when the chorale presents the J.S. Bach cantata written for the third Sunday after Epiphany.
“These hour-long concerts exploring Bach’s sacred choral works are designed to be a spiritual respite on a Sunday afternoon,” says Suzanne Ford, Bach Choir publicist.
David Long will direct the chorale in Cantata BWV 73: “Herr wie du willt, so schicks mit mir,” which translates to “Lord, as you will, so let it be done with me.”
Completing the hourlong program will be a motet by Josquin des Prez, “Usquequo, Domine?” ( Psalm 1 3, “How l ong, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”) Joining the Bach Choir will be guest soloists Cynthia John- son, soprano; James Harr, tenor; and Zachary James Cavan, bass.
Organist Karla Fowkes will play J.S Bach’s BWV 651 Fantasia, “Come Holy Ghost,” from the Leipzig Chorales for solo organ.
“What makes exploring Bach’s cantatas so endlessly fascinating is the amazing variety in that no two are exactly alike,” Long explains.
“Cantata BWV 73 is in five movements with opening and closing chorales surrounding solo tenor and bass arias. Set for choir, soloists, horn, two oboes, keyboard continuo and strings, Cantata BWV 73 was written in Bach’s f i rst year as Kapellmeister in Leipzig, to be performed on the third Sunday after Epiphany. The Gospel reading for that day was from Matthew 8:1-13 (The healing of a leper/The centurion of Capernaum). The librettist of Cantata 73 based his ideas on the leper’s words to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you will, you can cleanse me.’
“We hope people will join us to experience these beautiful spiritual works in person as we continue our cantata series this season,” says the director.
Long introduces each cantata with a brief musical explanation placing the work in its liturgical context.
For more information: www. chattanoogabachchoir.org.