Start your week with Bach and make sure you're there!
Bach composed the cantata during his first fruitful season as Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata explores the biblical idea that illness is the result of sin. This refers not only to physical ailments, but also to "illnesses" such as lust, ambition, and greed. Faith in God brings healing. This message aligns with the Gospel reading from the Book of Luke, which is central to the Sunday for which Bach composed this cantata. This well-known story tells of the miraculous healing of ten lepers by Jesus, with the words: "Your sins are forgiven." As we have come to expect from Bach, the text is beautifully set to music. The extraordinarily rich instrumental lineup, together with the ingenious choral and soloist parts, creates many goosebump-inducing moments.
Performers
The Westerkerk Choir will sing the Bach cantata and the motet. After a well-deserved summer break, the choir is fully prepared for a wonderful new cantata season. The instrumental accompaniment is provided by the acclaimed Ensemble 't Kabinet. The wonderful soloists are Marjon Strijk (soprano), Camilo Delgado Diaz (tenor), and Florian Just (bass). JanJoost van Elburg will be the overall musical director, and the Rev. Herman Koetsveld will officiate. Evan Bogerd will play the organ.
Bach in the neighbourhood – An important cantata tradition in the Western
About eight times a year, the Westerkerk holds a cantata service, often featuring works by Bach, but occasionally by other composers. The music is part of a church service, which includes a brief spiritual interpretation of the cantata and its connection to everyday life. The Westerkerk has been doing this for over 70 years, continuing an important cantata tradition: performing Bach cantatas in their intended context. For more information and a program overview, see all performance dates at www.cantatewesterkerk.nl or Facebook/Instagram: cantatewesterkerk.
