Description

Honoring 300 Years of Bach’s Leipzig Cantatas

In 1725, Johann Sebastian Bach composed Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe, BWV 108 (It is good for you that I leave). Written for Cantate Sunday, the fourth Sunday after Easter, it was first performed on April 29, 1725. This concert celebrates the 300th anniversary of its creation, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear Bach’s music in the season for which it was intended.

A Cantata of Reflection and Reassurance

Bach set the text by Christiana Mariana von Ziegler, one of the few female librettists of the era. The words draw from the Gospel of John, where Christ tells his disciples that his departure will bring them the Holy Spirit. Bach transforms this idea into music filled with contrast, tension, and resolution.

The Cantata Concert features:

Three vocal soloists (alto, tenor, and bass)
A four-part choir
An instrumental ensemble with two oboes d’amore, strings, and continuo

Bach weaves the voices and instruments into a dramatic exchange, moving from sorrow to reassurance. The music reflects the emotions of those grappling with change, making it both personal and universal.

A Program of Depth and Contrast

The concert will open with an organ prelude, creating a reflective mood. In addition, a Renaissance motet or another smaller choral work may be included, providing contrast to Bach’s cantata. These selections will add historical context while enriching the overall experience.

Why This Performance Matters

Bach’s cantatas were written for specific Sundays and church services, giving them a unique place in musical history. Today, hearing them in a live setting connects us to their original purpose.

For listeners, this performance is more than just a concert. It is a chance to experience Bach’s music in the season for which it was written. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the way music conveys meaning, emotion, and faith.

Join the Chattanooga Bach Choir on May 18 as we bring this extraordinary work to life.

Cantata Concert #2: Es ist euch gut, daß ich hingehe, BWV 108