November 23
Cantata
Selig ist der Mann, BWV 57
Blessed is the man
The cantata for November 23, the last Sunday in the church year, was first performed on December 26, 1725, the feast day of the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen. This beautiful dialogue cantata is a conversation between Christ and the soul of the believer, represented by the bass and soprano soloists. The voice of Christ assures the soul that peace and life await in eternity, and the soprano’s final aria is joyful and tender as the soul anticipates departing this earthly life to be with Jesus. This is the first performance of this beautiful cantata at Grace
Dr. Steven Wente performs the organ prelude to the service beginning at 3:45 p.m.
Homilist
Katie Hines-Shah, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hinsdale, Illinois, homilist
Prelude
Steven Wente, Concordia University Chicago, organist
Motet
Hans Leo Hassler: Ach Herr, laß dein’ liebe Engelein
Musicians
Bach Cantata Vespers Chorus and Orchestra
Grace Cantor Michael D. Costello, conducting
Carolyne DalMonte, soprano
Daniel Eifert, bass