December 25

Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63
Christians, engrave this day

Bach’s cantata for Christmas Day is, appropriately, one of his most festive. The orchestra is as large as they come for  cantatas, with four trumpets, timpani, three oboes, bassoon, plus strings and organ. The opening chorus urges Christians everywhere to “etch this day in metal and marble” and “hasten … to the crib.” But instead of the cradle songs and Glorias one might expect on Christmas Day, the music rejoices in God’s grace and favor. Bach revised and performed this cantata several times, including a performance in Leipzig in 1723. It will be part of Grace’s service of Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Performed as part of Grace’s 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day service of Holy Communion
Livestream will take place on the Grace Church YouTube Channel

David R. Lyle, Grace Lutheran Church and School,
River Forest, Illinois, homilist

Constantin Christian Dedekind: Das Wort ward Fleisch

Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra
Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting
Marybeth Kurnat, soprano
Amanda Koopman, mezzo soprano
Ryan Townsend Strand, tenor
Peter Wesoloski, baritone