February 22
Cantata
Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort, BWV 168
Settle the account! Word of thunder
Churches in Leipzig were not permitted to perform concerted music during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. During Lent of 2026 we look to a cantata from Bach’s third annual cycle that was originally performed on the 9th Sunday after Trinity in July of 1725. Based on the parable in Luke 16 about a dishonest manager, the dramatic music of the opening aria shows an all-powerful God who demands accountability from the people. The later movements of the cantata, however, bring resolution as text and music remind listeners that Jesus’ sacrificial death has paid their debt. This marks the first performance of this cantata in our series at Grace.
The organ prelude to the service at 3:45 p.m. is performed by Timothy Spelbring, a familiar presence as organist and continuo player for cantata services at Grace.
Homilist
Elizabeth Palmer, The Christian Century, Chicago, Illinois, homilist
Prelude
Timothy Spelbring, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect, Illinois, organist
Motet
Dieterich Buxtehude: Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort, BuxWV 27
Musicians
Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra
Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting
Susan Nelson, soprano
Sarah Ponder, mezzo soprano
Ryan Townsend Strand, tenor
Daniel Eifert, bass