Cantata service for Eternity Sunday

Johann Sebastian Bach: "Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme" BWV 140
Cantata for Eternity Sunday BWV 140

In keeping with the theme of the day, on which the biblical story of the wise and foolish virgins from the Gospel of Matthew is traditionally read, the Bach cantata "Awake, the voice calls us" BWV 140, one of Bach's most festive and moving cantatas, which has become particularly famous for its hymn-like opening chorus. Traditionally, the last Sunday of the church year focuses in a special way on the expectation of the Judgment Day. This also includes the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. This forms the basis for one of the most famous Protestant hymns, the eponymous Chorale from Philipp Nicolai. Bach sets all the verses of the hymn to music and uses them to frame two duets which, following the Gospel text, depict an intimate and familiar conversation between a bride and her bridegroom. The liturgy will be conducted by Pastor Lars Fiedler and cathedral preacher Michael Bartsch, who will also preach the sermon. The Bach cantata will be performed by the Halle vocal soloists Anja Binkenstein - soprano, Sebastian Byzdra - tenor and Maik Gruchenberg - bass. The organ part will be played by Wenzel organist Nikolas Berndt. The Naumburg Cathedral Choir will be accompanied by an instrumental ensemble under the direction of Naumburg musician Claudia Wahlbuhl. The overall musical director is cathedral cantor KMD Jan-Martin.