ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHILIPPE HERREWEGHE
“Denn Gott verlässet keinen”
Brich den Hungrigen dein Brot, Cantata BWV 39
Was willst du dich betrüben, Cantata BWV 107
Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, Cantata BWV 21
Dorothee Mields soprano
Alex Potter countertenor
Guy Cutting tenor
Kresimir Stražanac bass
Collegium Vocale Gent
Philippe Herreweghe conductor
Discover the genius of J.S. Bach during his transformative Leipzig years as we perform cantatas BWV 39, 107, and 21. As Christoph Wolff highlights, these works were composed when Bach was deeply engaged in his mission to elevate church music. BWV 39 sets a compassionate tone with its plea for charity, while BWV 107 underscores the seriousness of faith with its fiery orchestration. BWV 21—a true masterpiece—captures the soul’s journey from despair to redemption, reflecting Bach’s innovative use of choral and instrumental forces. These cantatas not only showcase Bach’s theological depth but also his ability to create music that resonates across centuries.