October 26
Cantata
Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild, BWV 79
God the Lord is Sun and Shield
On Reformation Sunday we sing Bach’s cantata God the Lord is Sun and Shield, first performed in Leipzig on Reformation Day, October 31, 1725. With the steady beat of timpani undergirding the horn obligato, the chorus proclaims the glorious “sun and shield” text from Psalm 84. The horns return in the third movement in the familiar chorale setting of Martin Rinkart’s 17th century hymn “Now Thank We All Our God.”
The prelude to this festive service is Bach’s great Orchestral Suite in D Major. This rich and varied work for Baroque orchestra opens with a formal French overture. The familiar second movement, known as “Air on the G String,” is followed by a trio of Baroque dances.
Homilist
L. George Detweiler, Norristown, Pennsylvania, homilist
Prelude
J. S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068
Motet
Otto Nicolai: Psalm 84
Musicians
Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra
Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting
Maura Janton Cock, soprano
Sarah Ponder, mezzo soprano
Daniel Eifert, bass
