Our next Bach Cantata performance will be on 31 May, when we present one of Bach’s most spellbinding masterpieces, BWV 173, Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut. This Bach Vespers service takes place at 6.30pm at the church of St Mary at Hill in the City of London, hosted by St Anne’s Lutheran Church.

This cantata specifically features flutes, which add a flavour of elegance and delicacy. Bach took the music from a secular cantata composed in Köthen as a birthday tribute to his employer. In 1724, Bach adapted this music to a new text in exaltation of God, adding extra instruments and singers to create BWV 173. The secular origins of the music can be heard in the dance-style of many of the movements, not least the unusual and attractive duet for soprano and bass, which builds up in instrumentation from a modest opening to a glorious ending. This is an upbeat feel-good cantata celebrating God’s goodness towards mankind.

The service will also include other music, both vocal and instrumental, by Bach and other German baroque composers, performed on period instruments.

Everyone is welcome (you don’t have to be religious), and attendance is free. Do come along and bring your friends. We look forward to seeing you there to share Bach’s wonderful music!

Following Bach Vespers: 28 June (BWV 10).