Death loses its sting

In times of Bach, the Lutheran church observed three high Feasts related to the Virgin Mary: Purification (February 2), Annunciation (March 25) and Visitation (July 2). We have two surviving cantatas for the latter, and one for Annunciation – but four written expressly for Purification. Cantata 83 is the earliest of these, composed in 1724 […]

Cadenza in concert

As a flutist, it’s hard not to be partial to the Fifth Brandenburg. It is the only one in the collection that includes flute, and, what’s more, in a solo role. The concerto is scored for solo flute, violin, and harpsichord (the “concertino” group) accompanied by another violin, viola, cello, and double bass (“ripieno”). The […]

The song of Simeon

This famous cantata was composed and performed for the first time for the feast of the Purification of Mary, on February 2, 1727, which is celebrated forty days after the birth of Jesus. The date also represents the first presentation of Jesus in the temple. The gospel of that Sunday (Luke 2: 22-32) tells the […]