February 26
Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26
Ah how fleeting, ah how futile
The cantata for February was composed in 1724 as part of Bach’s second cycle of cantatas, the chorale cantatas. Written for the 24th Sunday after Trinity, near the end of the church year, it is based on a long 17th-century hymn by Michael Franck about the transitory nature of life and how God alone endures forever. With a chorus, four soloists, and an orchestra comprised of horn, flute, three oboes, strings, and continuo, the fleeting things of this world are depicted in lively and colorful music. The motet for the service, by Dieterich Buxtehude, is a charming setting of the well-known chorale “Jesu, meine Freude” (Jesus, priceless treasure). The prelude features oboist Rebecca Schalk Nagel performing works by Samuel Barber and Wayne Barlow.
3:00 p.m. Cantata Preview Lecture (in-person only)
Mark Peters, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights
3:45 p.m. Bach Cantata Vespers (in-person and online)
Bulletin for the service is here
Samuel Barber: Canzonetta for Oboe and Strings
Wayne Barlow: The Winter’s Passed
Rebecca Schalk Nagel, oboist
Dieterich Buxtehude: Jesu, meine Freude, BuxWV 60
David R. Lyle, Grace Lutheran Church and School,
River Forest, Illinois, homilist
Maura Janton Cock, soprano
Amanda Koopman, mezzo soprano
Ace Gangoso, tenor
Douglas Anderson, baritone
Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra
Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting