Winter winds bluster and sheets of rain beat against darkening windows. In the bay, the surf rises and pounds the shore. Then suddenly, brilliant sunshine and calm skies. In the garden, trees and shrubs give a shake and begin to bloom. In Santa Cruz County, Winter is full of drama.
As the singers of the Santa Cruz Chorale begin to prepare our spring concert, Why the World Loves Bach, the intensity of the weather suits our spirit. The Bach cantatas we sing have a similar intensity, expressed in Bach’s unique approach to the Baroque idiom; Bach was a master of musical contrasts. In his cantatas, emotions shade from dramatic to poignant and intimate.
Artistic Director Christian Grube explains that he chose these cantatas “because they sing of faith, and the comfort and hope it brings even in the most turbulent times.”
All the cantatas Christian chose beautifully show Bach’s musical genius and the depths of feeling that animate his work. BVW 78, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” (Jesus, thou who art my soul), BVW 93, “Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten”(Whoever lets the dear God reign), and BVW 106, “Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit” (God’s time is the very best time) represent Bach at the height of his musical and emotional powers.
In tempestuous weather and uncertain times, the Santa Cruz Chorale is honored to bring you the cantatas of the immortal Johann Sebastian Bach, whose music speaks to us across the ages.
