ABOUT THE EVENT

David Mann, conductor

J.S. Bach, known as the great master, wrote more than 200 cantatas, and UMD Choral Activities aims to sing them all in this series of short performances led by conductors in the graduate program.

This performance marks exactly 300 years since the premiere of Bach’s cantata Es reisset euch ein schrecklich Ende in November of 1723 at Thomaskirche in Leipzig. The biblical text predicts a devastating end to the world while offering a final chance at hope and salvation for God’s chosen people. In the opening movement, Bach's use of texture and instrumentation symbolizes the arrival of Armageddon, and offers one final chance before the listener faces God’s “vengeful judgment.” In the brief but captivating final chorale from Martin Moller’s 1584 Nimm von uns, Herr, du treuer Gott, a clever turn of harmonies to a deceptive cadence underscores the reassuring words that God will guard his people from the “devil’s deceit and harm.”

ABOUT UMD CHORAL ACTIVITIES

Led by choral conducting alumnus Jason Max Ferdinand D.M.A. ’15, UMD's choral program is internationally regarded and offers students a wide array of choral experiences with music encompassing all styles and eras. In addition to this season’s on campus performances, the UMD Concert Choir participates in annual collaborations with both the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at premier venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.