Two cantatas by JS Bach
The cantata " Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben" (My Lord, when the stollen Feinde schnauben) was written for what we know as Epiphany, the feast of the appearance of Christ. The cantata is part of the Christmas Oratorio, a collection of six cantatas for the Sundays and holidays from Christmas Day through Epiphany.
The cantata " Wir Bedankt dir, Gott, wir Bedankt dir" (BWV 29) is a so-called Ratswahl cantata . These cantatas were performed at the change of city council and served to thank God for the city's blessings and to ask for support for the new rulers. Christmas is the perfect occasion for an exuberant cantata with thanksgiving as its central theme!
The cantata's music will often be recognizable. For example, the opening sinfonia features the so-called "Nokia tune." And the opening chorus setting is known as the "Gratias" from the Mass in B minor.
The Westerkerk Choir will sing the choral movements of both cantatas. Marjon Strijk (soprano), Ingeborg Bröcheler (alto), Francis Ng (tenor), and Wessel van der Ham (bass) will sing the beautiful arias and recitatives. The instrumental accompaniment will be provided by Ensemble 't Kabinet. JanJoost van Elburg will conduct the music. The celebrant will be Dr. Cristina Pumplun, and Evan Bogerd will play the organ.
Bach in the neighborhood – a cantata tradition
Around eight times a year the Westerkerk holds a cantata service, featuring works by Bach and religious music by other composers. The music forms part of a church service with a brief spiritual reflection on the cantata and its connection to everyday life. The Westerkerk has done this for more than 70 years, continuing an important tradition: performing Bach's cantatas in the context for which they were intended.
