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