St John’s College Chapel
Cantata Evensong with St John’s Sinfonia
Saturday 12 May 2018
Bach’s cantatas are liturgical pieces, composed to help his congregations meditate on the themes and readings of the Eucharist each Sunday and on major feasts. This has inspired us here at St John’s to present these works again in the context of worship and in conjunction with the Bible readings they sought to illuminate. LOBET GOTT IN SEINEN REICHEN (BWV 11) The first performance of Cantata no.11, ‘Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen’, also known as the Ascension Oratorio took place in Leipzig in 1735. The Ascension Oratorio spans eleven movements and the framework of the libretto is compiled from multiple Biblical accounts of the Ascension, portrayed in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, and Acts. In addition to the Biblical sources Bach, also utilised an unknown librettist. The work is festively scored for four soloists - soprano, alto, tenor and bass - a four part choir, three trumpets, timpani, two flauti traversi, two oboes, two violins, viola and basso continuo. FIRST MOVEMENT: CHORUS The Oratorio begins with a bright and brilliant prelude in D Major scored for trumpets, flutes, oboes, strings and continuo. The Choir then enters homophonically with its own thematic material and a memorable motif in trumpets acts to propel the movement along. The middle section features a syncopated figure that dominates the texture and acts to unify the work, as it returns in the final movement. A da capo of the principal section concludes the movement. SECOND MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO – TENOR In this movement we are introduced to the Evangelist, which, like all of Bach's Evangelists, is written for the tenor voice. The role of Evangelist in this movement is accompanied by basso continuo. THIRD MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO – BASS Bach uses the flutes to accompany the solo bass voice in this movement, which emphasis the calm, almost pastoral nature of the work. FOURTH MOVEMENT: ARIA – ALTO This movement is for alto and unison violins and is much better known in its later version as the Agnus Dei from the B minor mass. However, this aria is not the original of the Agnus Dei, rather both pieces were independently derived from the Wedding Cantata (BWV 196).
FIFTH MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO – TENOR This movement is another brief narrative section which serves to detail the ascension of Christ ‘up to heaven’ (auf gen Himmel). SIXTH MOVEMENT: CHORAL – CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA This movement is a plain four-part choral setting, which uses the fourth verse of Johann Rist’s hymn ‘Du Lebensfürst, Herr Jesu Christ’, set to the melody ‘Ermuntre dich mein schwacher Geist’ by Johann Schop. Bach also used this in the second part of the Christmas Oratorio (no. 12). SEVENTH (A) MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO – TENOR AND BASS The bass joins the tenor for an extended duet arioso, first in homophony (Ihr Männer von Galiläa) and then in canon (Dieser Jesus). SEVENTH (B) MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO ACCOMPAGNATO – ALTO This section is a brief accompanied recitative for alto and once again, the flutes comment on the situation SEVENTH (C) MOVEMENT: RECITATIVO – TENOR The Evangelist returns describing the disciples’ return to Jerusalem. EIGHTH MOVEMENT: ARIA – SOPRANO The soprano aria is one of the most mysterious and beautiful movements in the oratorio. This movement is one of the rare pieces in Bach’s music without basso continuo: this lack of bass gives the piece a floating quality, thought to imply Jesus floating in the air. The two unison flutes, the oboe, and the strings play a trio, augmented to a quartet by the singer, as probably intentionally "heavenly" music without earthly weight (Erdenschwere). NINTH MOVEMENT: CHORAL – CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA The final chorale, the seventh verse of ‘Gott fähret auf gen Himmel of Gottfried Wilhelm Sacer’, is embedded in an instrumental concerto. In this movement the chorale melody in a foreign key is incorporated into a D major setting, allowing the work to end on a note of jubilation.
ORCHESTRAL VOLUNTARY
Sinfonia (Cantata no. 182)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
¶Stand for the entry of the Choir and Clergy HYMN
Eternal Monarch, King most high, Whose blood hath brought redemption nigh, By whom the death of Death was wrought, And conquering grace's battle fought. Ascending to the throne of might, And seated at the Father's right, All power in heaven is Jesu’s own, That here his manhood had not known. Yea, angels tremble when they see How changed is our humanity; For flesh hath purged what flesh had stained, And God, the flesh of God, hath reigned. Be thou our joy and strong defense, Who art our future recompense: So shall the light that springs from thee Be ours through all eternity. O risen Christ, ascended Lord, All praise to thee let earth accord, Who art, while endless ages run, With Father and with Spirit one. Amen. Words Latin, c. 5th century Tr. John Mason Neal (1818–1866)
The WELCOME is given by the Minister
Tune GONFALON ROYAL Percy Buck (1871–1947)
The Minister and the Choir sing the RESPONSES: Minister Response
O Lord, open thou our lips. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
Minister Response
O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Minister Response
Praise ye the Lord. The Lord’s Name be praised.
The Choir sings the PSALM: Psalm 62
Music Philip Radcliffe (1905–1986)
¶Remain standing
My soul truly waiteth still upon God : for of him cometh my salvation. He verily is my strength and my salvation : he is my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall. 3. How long will ye imagine mischief against every man : ye shall be slain all the sort of you; yea, as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge. 4. Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt : their delight is in lies; they give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart. 5. Nevertheless, my soul, wait thou still upon God : for my hope is in him. 6. He truly is my strength and my salvation : he is my defence, so that I shall not fall. 7. In God is my health, and my glory : the rock of my might, and in God is my trust. 8. O put your trust in him alway, ye people : pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope. 9. As for the children of men, they are but vanity : the children of men are deceitful upon the weights, they are altogether lighter than vanity itself. 10. O trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity : if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11. God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same : that power belongeth unto God; 1. 2.
12.
And that thou, Lord, art merciful : for thou rewardest every man according to his work. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. Chant William Boyce (1710–1779)
The FIRST LESSON: Acts 1 vv. 1–11 ¶Sit In the first part of my work, Theophilus, I gave an account of all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To these men he showed himself after his death and gave ample proof that he was alive: he was seen by them over a period of forty days and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. While he was in their company he directed them not to leave Jerusalem. ‘You must wait’, he said, ‘for the gift promised by the Father, of which I told you; John, as you know, baptized with water, but within the next few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ When they were all together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time at which you are to restore sovereignty to Israel?’ He answered, ‘It is not for you to know about dates or times which the Father has set within his own control. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will bear witness for me in Jerusalem, and throughout all Judaea and Samaria, and even in the farthest corners of the earth.’ After he had said this, he was lifted up before their very eyes, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were gazing intently into the sky as he went, and all at once there stood beside them two men robed in white, who said, ‘Men of Galilee, why stand there looking up into the sky? This Jesus who has been taken from you up to heaven will come in the same way as you have seen him go.’
The Choir sings the MAGNIFICAT:
ÂśRemain Seated
Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo, quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae. Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes, quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus, et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies timentibus eum. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, dispersit superbos mente cordis sui; deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles; esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes. Suscepit Israel puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae, sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semini ejus in sacula. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his hand-maiden. For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me : and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him : throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm : he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things : and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel : as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
The SECOND LESSON: Mark 16 vv. 14–20 Jesus appeared to the eleven while they were at table, and reproached them for their incredulity and dullness, because they had not believed those who had seen him after he was raised from the dead. Then he said to them: ‘Go to every part of the world, and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Those who believe it and receive baptism will be saved; those who do not believe will be condemned. Faith will bring with it these miracles: believers will drive out demons in my name and speak in strange tongues; if they handle snakes or drink any deadly poison, they will come to no harm; and the sick on whom they lay their hands will recover.’ So after talking with them the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God; but they went out to proclaim their message far and wide, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed their words by the miracles that followed.
The Choir sings the NUNC DIMITTIS:
¶Stand
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace: quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum: lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto, Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen : thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared : before the face of all people: To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. Primi toni
ÂśRemain standing The Congregation joins with the Minister in the CREED: All
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried, He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen.
The Minister and Choir sing the PRECES: Minister Response
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
Minister Response
Let us pray. Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us.
ÂśKneel
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Minister Response
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us. And grant us thy salvation.
Minister Response
O Lord, save the Queen. And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
Minister Response
Endue thy Ministers with righteousness. And make thy chosen people joyful.
Minister Response
O Lord, save thy people. And bless thine inheritance.
Minister Response
Give peace in our time, O Lord. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
Minister Response
O God, make clean our hearts within us. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
There follow three Collects sung by the Minister: The Collect for the Day O God the King of glory, who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; We beseech thee, leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. The Collect for Peace O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. The Collect for Aid against all Perils Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Music Philip Radcliffe (1905–1986)
The Choir sings the CANTATA: LOBET GOTT Cantata no. 11
IN SEINEN
¶Sit
REICHEN
1. CHORUS Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, Preiset ihn in seinen Ehren, Rühmet ihn in seiner Pracht! Sucht sein Lob recht zu vergleichen, Wenn ihr mit gesamten Chören Ihm ein Lied zu Ehren macht!
Laud God in his kingdoms, Praise him in his honours, Glorify him in his splendour! Seek rightly to liken his praise, When with whole choirs You make a song in his honour!
2. EVANGELISTA Der Herr Jesus hub seine Hände auf und segnete seine Jünger, und es geschah, da er sie segnete, schied er von ihnen.
The Lord Jesus lifted up his hands and blest his disciples; and it came to pass that, as he blest them, he departed from them.
3. RECITATIVO Ach, Jesu, ist dein Abschied schon so nah? Ach, ist denn schon die Stunde da, Da wir dich von uns lassen sollen? Ach, siehe, wie die heißen Tränen Von unsern blassen Wangen rollen, Wie wir uns nach dir sehnen, Wie uns fast aller Trost gebricht. Ach, weiche doch noch nicht! 4. ARIA Ach, bleibe doch, mein liebstes Leben, Ach fliehe nieht so bald von mir! Dein Abschied und dein frühes Scheiden Bringt mir das allergrößte Leiden, Ach ja, so bleibe doch noch hier; Sonst werd ieh ganz von Schmerz umgeben.
Ah Jesus, is your departure already so near? Ah, has the hour already come When we should let you part from us? Ah, see how hot tears Roll down our pale cheeks: How we yearn for you! How almost all our comfort is lost! Ah, do not leave us yet! Ah do stay, my dearest Life, Ah, do not flee so soon from me! Your departure and your early parting Cause me the greatest suffering of all; Ah yes, then do stay here yet; Otherwise I shall be quite enveloped in grief.
5. EVANGELISTA Und ward aufgehaben zusehends und fuhr auf gen Himmel, eine Wolke nahm ihn weg vor ihren Augen, und er sitzet zur rechten Hand Gottes. 6. CHORAL Nun lieget alles unter dir, Dich selbst nur ausgenommen; Die Engel müssen für und für Dir aufzuwarten kommen. Die Fürsten stehn auch auf der Bahn Und sind dir willig untertan; Luft, Wasser, Feuer, Erden Muß dir zu Dienste werden. 7a. EVANGELISTA Und da sie ihm nachsahen gen Himmel fahren, siehe, da stunden bei ihnen zwei Männer in weißen Kleidern, welche auch sagten:
And he was visibly lifted up and went up to heaven, and a cloud took him away before their eyes, and he sits at the right hand of God.
Now all lies under you, You yourself only excepted; The angels must for ever and ever Come to wait upon you. Princes, too, stand on the way And are willingly subject to you; Air, water, fire, earth Must be at your service. And as they watched him going up to heaven, look! there stood by them two men in white garments, who said:
BOTH Ihr Männer von Galiläa, was stehet ihr und sehet gen Himmel? Dieser Jesus, welcher von euch ist aufgenommen gen Himmel, wird kommen, wie ihr ihn gesehen habt gen Himmel fahren.
You men of Galilee, why do you stand there looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come, just as you have seen him go to heaven.
7b. RECITATIVO Ach ja! so komme bald zurück: Tilg einst mein trauriges Gebärden, Sonst wird mir jeder Augenblick Verhaßt und Jahren ähnlich werden.
Ah yes! then come back soon: Cut off one day my sad looks, Otherwise for me every moment Shall be hated and become like years.
7c. EVANGELISTA Sie aber beteten ihn an, wandten um gen Jerusalem von dem Berge, der da heißet der Ölberg, welcher ist nahe bei Jerusalem und liegt einen Sabbater-Weg davon, und sie kehreten wieder gen Jerusalem mit großer Freude.
But they worshipped Him and turned towards Jerusalem from the mountain which is called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, lying a Sabbath’s journey away, and they returned again to Jerusalem with great joy.
8. ARIA Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke Kann ich doch beständig sehn. Deine Liebe bleibt zurükke, Daß ich mich hier in der Zeit An der künftgen Herrlichkeit Schon voraus im Geist erquikke, Wenn wir einst dort vor dir stehn.
Jesus, your glances of grace I can indeed see constantly. Your love stays behind So that, here at this time, In that future glory I may refresh my spirit in advance, When one day we stand there before you.
9. CHORAL Wenn soll es doch geschehen, Wenn kömmt die liebe Zeit, Daß ich ihn werde sehen In seiner Herrlichkeit? Du Tag, wenn wirst du sein, Daß wir den Heiland grüßen, Daß wir den Heiland küssen? Komm, stelle dich doch ein!
When shall it come about, When will the beloved time come When I shall see him In his glory? O day, when will you be, When we greet the Saviour, When we kiss the Saviour? Come, do appear!
Words based on Acts 1 vv. 1–11 Mark 16 vv. 14–20
Music Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
PRAYERS are said by the Minister:
¶Kneel
The COLLEGE PRAYER: Bless, O Lord, the work of this College, which is called by the name of thy beloved disciple; and grant that love of the brethren and all sound learning may ever grow and prosper here, to thy honour and glory, and to the good of thy people, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen. The GRACE: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
HYMN Alleluya, sing to Jesus, His the sceptre, his the throne; Alleluya, his the triumph, His the victory alone: Hark the songs of peaceful Sion Thunder like a mighty flood; Jesus, out of every nation, Hath redeemed us by his blood. Alleluya, not as orphans Are we left in sorrow now; Alleluya, he is near us, Faith believes, nor questions how; Though the cloud from sight received him When the forty days were o’er, Shall our hearts forget his promise, ‘I am with you evermore’?
Alleluya, Bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay; Alleluya, here the sinful Flee to thee from day to day; Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth’s redeemer, plead for me, Where the songs of all the sinless Sweep across the crystal sea. Alleluya, King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own; Alleluya, born of Mary, Earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne; Thou within the veil hast entered, Robed in flesh, our great High Priest; Thou on earth both Priest and Victim In the Eucharistic Feast. Words W. Chatterton Dix (1837–1898)
Tune HYFRYDOL Richard Huw Pritchard (1811–1887)
ORCHESTRAL VOLUNTARY
Overture (Orchestral Suite no. 3)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
¶Remain standing for the exit of the Choir and Clergy
As this is an Act of Worship, we request that there is no applause at the end of the service.
NEXT TERM’S CANTATA EVENSONGS SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER 2018 WITH ST JOHN’S SINFONIA 6.30 P.M.
J.S. Bach: Cantata no. 96 Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn
SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER 2018 WITH INSTRUMENTALISTS
6.30 P.M.
Michael Finnissy: Cantata Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn The Finnissy cantata, by the College’s Composer in Residence, receives its premiere today along with two new works for organ, treble recorder, violin and cello.
SUPPORTING BACH CANTATA EVENSONGS If you have enjoyed the music at this service and are in a position to help us continue to offer Bach Cantata Evensongs through a donation or sponsorship, please contact the Acting Dean, The Rev’d Carol Barrett Ford on 01223 338617 or cb924@cam.ac.uk.
THE CHOIR
OF
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
The Director of Music, Andrew Nethsingha, is pleased to receive enquiries from people interested in joining the choir as chorister, choral scholar or organ scholar. He is always happy to meet them informally to offer advice. Please contact him on 01223 338683 or by email – choir@joh.cam.ac.uk or contact the Choir Administrator on 01223 338718 St John’s College Cambridge CB2 1TP CHORISTER VOICE TRIALS Voice trials will be held for boys aged 6–9 years old on Saturday 19 May and Saturday 6 October 2018 For further details please contact the Admissions Secretary at St John’s College School on 01223 353652 or by email – admissions@sjcs.co.uk