Bach and the liturgical year
When one thinks of the composer who remains the master in adapting music to the liturgical calendar, Bach’s name is bound to come up. While the Lutheran service has two main parts—one that is text-based (reaching its high point with the sermon), and the other Eucharistic—both are supported by music. The cantata was generally performed between the gospel reading and the sermon. The musical part of the service was always related to and commented on the day’s readings; hence a cantata always corresponded to a specific Sunday in the liturgical year and the reading of a particular biblical passage. Perhaps more than any other composer, Bach was especially dedicated to exploring the liturgical year, and so there is nothing fortuitous about such correspondences.
I invite you to discover Bach’s Choral BWV 747 and the Fuguetta “Here are the ten commandments”, written for Easter celebrations, performed here by Luc Beauséjour…
Happy Easter to all!