The good and eternal life

That the most beautiful music is often not necessarily the most optimistic, we also see in this programme.

Cantata 'Ach wie flüchtig' focuses on the fleetingness and futility of life. Fast tempi here do not stand for cheerfulness but refer to the speed at which life flies by. The atmosphere is bittersweet, the earthly is transient, the heavenly life beckons. Precisely that perspective is the hope that shines at the end: 'Wer Gott fürcht, bleibt ewig stehen'.

Cantata 'Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brot' BWV 39 is about the art of the good life, the moral duty of charity. Not surprisingly, the final chorale contains a clear reference to the Beatitudes from Matthew. The text inspired Bach to create beautiful examples of visual music.

In cantata 'Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben', the vanitas idea from 'Ach wie flüchtig' returns. Already in the opening chorus you can hear time ticking away. However, the confidence that death is not the end echoes throughout this cantata. When all concerns have been expressed, the atmosphere tilts and bass and soprano look forward to the farewell with confidence.

With this confidence that farewell is never final, we wave goodbye to Shunske Sato as our artistic director.