November 24

Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 116
You Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ

Bach performed this cantata for the first time on the last Sunday of the church year, November 26, 1724, almost 300 years ago to the day when we will hear it at Grace. The cantata is based on a hymn by Jakob Ebert by the same name that speaks of the peace that only Christ can bring amidst the trials and tribulations of a believer’s lifetime. This prayer for Christ’s intervention holds meaning for us today, even as it brought comfort to 18th century Lutherans.

3:00 p.m. Cantata Preview Lecture
Mark Peters, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights

3:45 p.m. Instrumental Prelude
Alloy Horn Quartet, Chicago, Illinois

4:00 p.m. Bach Cantata Vespers
James R. Nieman, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, homilist

Peter Wesoloski, baritone