January 28

Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen? BWV 81 Jesus sleeps, what can I hope for?

The cantata, composed for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, January 30, 1724, is based on the gospel reading from Matthew 8. Jesus’ disciples, together in a boat with him, are confused by his lack of concern as he sleeps through a storm. As storms rage in the orchestra, the tenor aria asks “Why, Lord, do you stand so far off?” But in a beautiful arioso, the bass soloist as the voice of Christ answers, “You of little faith, why are you so fearful?” Jesus calms the storm with a word, as Bach’s music reminds us of God’s care and protection.

3:00 p.m. Cantata Preview Lecture Mark Peters, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights

3:45 p.m. Instrumental Prelude Kontras Quartet: Eleanor Bartsch, François Henkins, Ben Weber, and Jean Hatmaker

4:00 p.m. Bach Cantata Vespers Karoline M. Lewis, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, homilist

1. 1. Telemann: Ich danke dem Herrn vom ganzen Herzen, TWV 7:14 (opening mvts.)

Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting Sarah Ponder, mezzo soprano Ace Gangoso, tenor David Govertsen, bass