BACH CHOIR SINGS SUNDAY

The Chattanooga Bach Choir continues its Barnett & Company Cantata Series on Sunday, Oct. 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.

The cantata series offers Sunday afternoon concerts focusing on J.S. Bach’s choral works chosen for that particular Sunday in the liturgical calendar.

“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,” says director David Long.

“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.’ 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 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 is a motet setting of Psalm 39 by Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso, and Bach’s prelude for organ based on Luther’s hymn tune heard in the cantata, BWV 687 from “Clavierübung III.”

Joining the Bach Choir will be soloists Cynthia Johnson, soprano; Sara Snider Schone, mezzosoprano; James Harr, tenor; and Zachary Cavan, bass. Karla Fowkes is the organist.

For more information: www. chattanoogabachchoir.org.

BACH CHOIR CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Chattanooga Bach Choir presents the J.S. Bach cantata written for the 21st Sunday after Trinity on Oct. 21.