Our
Bach Sunday celebration this year will be in close proximity to the birth date
of Johann Sebastian Bach (March 21, 1685) and part of a city-wide celebration
of the composer.
St.
Paul’s contribution to this event will be the presentation of two chorales
(hymn tunes) arranged and harmonized by J.S. Bach – Jesu, meine Freude (Jesus, My Sweet Pleasure) and Jesu bleibet meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of My
Desiring). Both of these chorales have their roots firmly in the Lutheran
tradition. In fact, Jesu, meine Freude
is still a part of our present day hymnal (No. 775). The text of this chorale
is from the believer’s point of view and praises the gifts of Jesus as well as
longing for his comforting spirit. It also abounds with stark contrasts between
images of heaven and hell, often within a single section. Bach’s vivid setting
of the words for this chorale heightens these dramatic contrasts resulting in a
composition with an uncommonly wide dramatic range. The chorale Jesu bleibet meine Freude was written
during Bach’s first year in Leipzig, Germany. This chorale setting (the final
movement of Cantata BWV 147) is one of Bach’s most enduring works. It is
frequently heard today at weddings or funerals.
Both of these works will be accompanied by
strings and organ.
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Bach Sunday takes place as part of our regular worship service. Worship times are 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
