Bach Cantata Series: BWV 79: UMD Choral Activities

Bach Cantata Series: BWV 79

UMD Choral Activities
Thursday, November 18, 2021 . 1:30PM EST
Photo Courtesy of Mark Helms
Principal People: 

Mark Helms, conductor

Special Announcement: 

The livestream for this event will be available to view until January 18, 2022. The archived video can be viewed here.

Event Attributes

Presented By

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Accessibility: 

For more information regarding accessible accommodations, please click here.

Program Notes: 

Join us in person at The Clarice or watch the livestream from the comfort of your home.

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. Conducted by Mark Helms, this performance will feature Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild (God the Lord is sun and shield), BWV 79, which premiered in Leipzig on Reformation Day (October 31) in 1725.

Appropriate for such a major festival day, Bach composed a work full of energy and magnificence, with a grand opening chorus featuring a flurry of counterpoint paired with a fanfare for two high horns and timpani. Providing unity in the cantata, this fanfare returns in the third movement alongside the familiar hymn-tune known to us as Now Thank We All Our God, which was a regular part of the Reformation Day service each year in Leipzig. Through its bold and majestic music, the cantata along with its text reflect the confidence of Leipzig’s congregants that they are secure through the word of God.

About UMD Choral Activities:

Led by Edward Maclary, the choral ensembles have achieved international renown and offer a wide array of 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.

Health & Safety for In-Person Attendance:

There may be COVID-19 safety policies in place, such as mask requirements, when you attend this event. Please see The Clarice's health and safety page for the most up-to-date information about attendance.