BACH IN CONTEXT: ACTUS TRAGICUS

The words ‘art of dying’ sound strange to modern ears, perhaps. Although there are related philosophical, religious and ‘end of life’ health care, and much-debated legal concerns today surrounding the subject of dying, we moderns probably rarely, if ever, think of preparing for death as an art form.A central topic in sermons, hymns and contemplative literature, death and dying was a chief pastoral concern of the church of Johann Sebastian Bach’s day. Finding consolation and facing fears and anxieties near the time of death, and also as a part of everyday living, are arguably at the heart of the sacred vocal works of Bach, who is regarded by many as a kind of theologian in music. The cantatas are music that aids in contemplation of important matters, especially facing one’s own death. 1. Sonata No. 1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525Composer: Johann Sebastian BachArtist(s): Reitze Smits 2. Cantate, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus), BWV 106: SonatinaComposer: Johann Sebastian