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Actus Tragicus: A Bach Meditation in Holy Week

  • St. Bartholomew's Chapel 325 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 (map)

Olivia Sue Greene & Zoe Allen, sopranos

Wendy Gilles & Kathryn Papa, altos

Jack Lyons & Emerson Sieverts, tenors

Raphael Biran & Jeff Morrissey, basses

Arnie Tanimoto & Motomi Igarashi, violas da gamba
Nina Stern & Rachel Begley, recorders
Matt Zucker, cello
Alexander Pattavina, continuo organ
Paolo Bordignon, conductor

Join us for a concert in Holy Week including solo and chamber music of Johann Sebastian Bach for voices with recorders, violas da gamba, and organ. Vocal works include his beloved Bist du bei mir and cantata Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106, known as the Actus Tragicus.

Actus Tragicus: A Bach Meditation in Holy Week
Music of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

  • Prelude, from Suite no. 1 in G major BWV 1007, solo cello

  • Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 416, choir

  • Chorale Prelude: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 683, organ

  • Sonata for viola da gamba in G minor, BWV 1029, gamba & organ

  • 2 movements from Sonata in E Major, BWV 1035, recorder & organ

  • Bist du bei mir, BWV 508 (Melody by G. H. Stölzel), voice, cello, & organ

  • Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit – Actus Tragicus, BWV 106, choir & ensemble

  • Chorale: In meines Herzens Grunde, from Johannes Passion, BWV 245, choir & ensemble

In Bach’s time, the inclusion of the viola da gamba in vocal music had taken on special significance and suggested something extraordinary, as in his Passion settings. Two gambas here, paired with two recorders and organ, evoke the remote realm of the pastoral. In this cantata written for a funeral service, the solace of otherworldly instruments offers comfort to all who hear them.

$75
Angel Club Seating includes a $25 tax-deductible contribution to Great Music

$50, $25
Tickets bought at the door on the day of the concert incur a $5 handling fee.