The new season of Bach Vespers begins on 28 September, with a 6.30pm cantata service at St Mary-at-Hill in the City of London, hosted by St Anne’s Lutheran Church. City Bach Collective presents Bach’s beautiful and uplifting cantata BWV 27, Wer weiß, wie nahe mir mein Ende?, which dates from 1726, Bach’s fourth year in Leipzig. The poetic text paints death in a positive light, something to be welcomed, not feared, a release from worldly burdens and path to eternal bliss.

A highpoint of the cantata is the jaunty alto aria, with a nod to Vivaldi’s Spring (published just one year earlier) in it’s opening theme, accompanied, unusually, by both oboe da caccia and a sparkling keyboard obbligato. Other notable moments include the recitative interpellations within the opening chorus movement, and the contrast between the lullaby-like melody and agitated concitato string semiquavers (representing turbulence of life) in the bass aria. The cantata ends with a magnificent chorale setting, not by Bach, but by Rosenmüller. Composed in 1649, its archaic harmonisation and imitations are in earlier madrigal style. The last-minute swing into triple time at the end symbolises Heaven.

The service will also include other music from the German Baroque performed by our specialist team of voices and period instruments.

Everyone is welcome, so do come along and bring a friend. You don’t need to be religious, you can just come to enjoy the music. Entrance is free (with a voluntary collection). We look forward to seeing you and sharing Bach’s wonderful music.

Following Bach Vespers: 26 October (BWV 80)