Johann Sebastian Bach likely wrote about 295 cantatas, of which 200 survive. Each demonstrated Bach’s mastery of musical contrasts and his ability to use musical form to express powerful emotion.

In Bach’s cantatas, emotions shade from dramatic to poignant and intimate. Artistic Director Christian Grube has chosen three Bach cantatas that beautifully show Bach’s musical genius and the depths of feeling that animate his work. BWV 78, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” (Jesus, thou who art my soul); BWV 93, “Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten” (Whoever lets the dear God reign); and BWV 106, “Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit” (God’s time is the very best time) represent Bach at the height of his musical and emotional powers.

The Santa Cruz Chorale is honored to bring you the cantatas of the immortal Johann Sebastian Bach, whose music speaks to us across the ages.