Johann Sebastian Bach
Der Himmel lacht! Die Erde jubilieret, BWV 31
Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66
Am abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42
O ewiges Feuer, BWV 34
Experience Eastertide traced across four musical scenes—Easter Day: Der Himmel lacht!, BWV 31, announces resurrection with a five‑part chorus and clarion brass and timpani that sound the morning’s brightness. Easter Monday: Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen, BWV 66, adapted from an earlier serenata, sets hope and uncertainty in dialogue before closing with “Christ ist erstanden.” Quasimodogeniti: Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42, opens with a rare instrumental sinfonia and places Christ’s word of peace directly inside a fearful room, its music holding reassurance and unease together. Pentecost: O ewiges Feuer, BWV 34, pairs an intimate alto aria with jubilant choruses and the blessing “Friede über Israel,” giving voice to the Spirit’s fire as the season comes into fullness.
Paulina Francisco, soprano
Rhianna Cockrell, alto
Matthew Hill, tenor
Jonathan Woody, bass
Join us for Talking Bach at 3 p.m.! This series of free pre-concert lectures by noted Bach scholar Michael Marissen is presented one hour before Director’s Series performances.
