The public is invited to a free concert. Bach Cantata Series Concert #1 at Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Dr, Durham, will take place on Sunday, October 29th, 2017, at 5:15 p.m.
Here’s the information from the Duke University Chapel website:
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this Bach Cantata Series concert presents two works that illustrate the importance of music to Martin Luther himself, and its role in his liturgical reforms: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Missa in G major, BWV 236, and the cantata Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 192.
Bach composed only a small number of Latin works: the monumental Mass in B minor is of course well-known, but he also composed four less well-known Masses, sometimes called his “Lutheran Masses” or Missae brevis (short masses). In Luther’s reformed liturgy, the vernacular held pride of place, but Latin was not completely abandoned, and elements of the Roman Catholic service remained. Unlike the great B minor Mass, which sets all the movements of the Ordinary, the short masses provided only the movements appropriate for the Lutheran service—the Kyrie and Gloria. For these settings, Bach re-used and re-purposed music from several of his cantatas: and recycling has never been more beautiful!
This concert is free and open to the public. Parking will be available for $5 in the Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking will be in the Bryan Center Surface Lot. Duke parking permit holders may enter through the bottom level of the Bryan Center Parking Garage for free on weekdays after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends.
The circumstances of the composition of Bach’s Cantata No. 192, Nun danket alle Gott, are unknown. It dates from 1730 and was possibly composed for that year’s Lutheran Reformation Festival held on October 31. This year is the 500th anniversary of Luther’s historic protest and members of the audience will be invited to participate in singing the chorale on which this cantata is based.
The Bach concert will last about an hour, and audience members are very welcome to join us for Choral Evensong beforehand. The service begins at 4:00pm and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
