Bringing Bach Back

Where Are You Going? - A Cantata prepared for FifthSunday of Easter.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata asks where Jesus is going from John 16, and then wonders the same thing for us as Christians.  And the answer is clear - in the Blood of Jesus, we are going to heaven, to resurrection.  

Cover art - The Resurrection - Paolo Veronese

On the Evening of the Same Sabbath - A Cantata prepared for Second Sunday of Easter.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata shows how the resurrection of Christ changes everything for us in this sinful and difficult world.  The Disciples gather together in the name of Jesus, and as a result he is present amongst them, even though the world may be against them, their hope (and ours as well) is in Jesus.  

Cover art - The Incredulity of Thomas - Caravaggio

What defines a choral passion - and can they still be performed within a worship service today?  

Of course!  A passion is in its most basic form a musical setting for God's Word.  In this bonus episode, we have some ideas for how a congregation can still use the idea behind Bach's St. Matthew Passion to beautify their Holy Week and Good Friday services today.  

During the Lenten Season, we will listen to St Matthew's Passion, one of Bach's greatest works.

Part Five - Matthew 27:27-66

We see our Lord's crucifixion and death.

This episode is extended to complete the Passion.  

During the Lenten Season, we will listen to St Matthew's Passion, one of Bach's greatest works.

Part Four - Matthew 27:1-26

We see our Lord's trial before Pilate, and end with his flagellation, with a reminder of the Lord's Supper.

During the Lenten Season, we will listen to St Matthew's Passion, one of Bach's greatest works.

Part Three - Matthew 26:51-75

We see our Lord's trial and the betrayal of St. Peter.

Sorry for the COVID Delay in getting this episode out.  

  Hear, O  You Shepherd of Israel  - A Cantata prepared for Misericordias Domini Sunday.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata has a much more pastoral feel, and emphasizes the call of Christ our Good Shepherd through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the blessed sacraments.  

 The Heavens Laugh, the Earth is Jubilent - One of Bach's Easter Cantatas.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.  This Cantata rejoices in the victory and peace that comes with Christ's resurrection.  

 Weeping, wailing, Worries, fears   - A Cantata prepared for Jubilate Sunday.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata teaches the theology of the cross, and how the Christian must suffer in this life.  

During the Lenten Season, we will listen to St Matthew's Passion, one of Bach's greatest works.

Part two- Matthew 26:33-50

We will travel to Gethsemane and see our Lord betrayed and arrested. 

During the Lenten Season, we will listen to St Matthew's Passion, one of Bach's greatest works.  

Part one - Matthew 26:1-32

We will introduce the Passion, and cover the Passover preparations through the institution of the Lord's Supper.  

Out of Sheba They Will Come - A Cantata prepared for Feast of Epiphany.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata shows how an Old Testament Prophecy from Isaiah is fulfilled in the person of Christ, and how we ought to live our lives in a Christian manner, serving Christ our Lord.  

Cover art - Adoration of the Magi - Hans Memling

Prepare the Road, Prepare the Pathway - A Cantata prepared for The Fourth Sunday of Advent.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata tackles baptism, confession, absolution and more in an effort to prepare us for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Cover art - John the Baptist - Leonardo Da Vinci

Savior of the Nations Come - A Cantata prepared for The First Sunday of Advent.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata is Bach's take on the Luther Hymn Savior of the Nations Come, which was a translation of St. Ambrose of Milan's hymn Veni Redemptor Gentium.  

Cover art - The Triumphal Entry - Giotto De Bonde

From Depths of Woe, I Cry to Thee - A Cantata prepared for The Twenty-First Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This cantata is Bach's take on the Luther Hymn based on Psalm 130.  

Cover art - Hope - George Frederic Watts

A Mighty Fortress - A Cantata prepared for The Festival of the Reformation.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata examines the Martin Luther Hymn and how it was treated by Bach, including the amazing counterpoint contained within the first movement.  

Cover art - Photo of the Wartburg Castle in Germany

Ah Dear Christians Be Comforted - A Cantata prepared for The Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata deals with the comfort of a Christian - found in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and delivered to us in Holy Baptism.  

Cover art - Wedding at Cana - Paolo Veronese

Why Are You Troubled, My Heart - A Cantata prepared for The Fifteenth Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata is a great work, prepared for the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, and was first performed on 5 September 1723. It is based off an anonymous Lutheran hymn of the same name, using the first three of its 14 verses as source material which is supplemented by additional poetry.

Cover art - Claude Monet - Poppy Fields Near Argenteuil

They Sing With the Joy of Victory- A Cantata prepared for The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas).  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata is written to examine the theology of angels but begins with the atonement by Jesus Christ, who dies and sheds his blood to forgive all sinners.  Only after understanding that, can we see that God uses angels to care and provide for us here in this world.  This cantata ends with the promise that God will, at last, let his angels come and bear us to Abram's bosom.  

We also listen to the sole remaining movement of BWV 50 - Now is Come Salvation and Strength - a probable  Bach  composition  Michaelmas.

Cover art - Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino - The Victory of St. Michael

To You Alone Lord Jesus Christ - A Cantata prepared for The Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata is written to examine the theology of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and finds God's grace given freely to sinners.  It declares, "God has done enough."  

Cover art - Vincent Van Gogh - the Good Samaritan

Lord Jesus Christ, You Highest Good - A Cantata prepared for The Eleventh Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata finds God's salvation earned by Christ on the cross delivered to us through God's Holy Word.  The Gospel of this particular cantata is clear and sweet.  

Cover art - Icon of the Publican and the Pharisee 

 What is the World to me?  - A Cantata prepared for The Ninth Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata compares the value of the world, its riches, its prestige against the love of God, and finds the love of God in Christ to be more valuable than all other things.  

Cover art - Betrayal of Christ by  Michelangelo Caravaggio  - Judas loved 40 pieces of silver more than the Lord.

 O Soul Take Not Offense!  - A Cantata prepared for The Seventh Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata began as an Advent Cantata, and Bach reworked its theme to fit Trinity 7 - the feeding of the 4000.  

Cover art is Bernardo Strozzi's Feeding the Multitude

 Behold, I Will Send Out Many Fishermen!  - A Cantata prepared for The Fifth Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata teaches how God sends out his word preaching through poor miserable sinners, like the fishermen from Galilee.  It also teaches how Jeremiah foretold this preaching.  God uses these men to gather together his church on Earth.  

 I Had Much Grief in My Heart, But Your Spirit Revives Me!  - A Cantata prepared for The Third Sunday After Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

This Cantata teaches God's ever present help in time of trouble, and how he returns us to life by his own glorious work!  

The Final Movement is AWESOME!!!

  O Eternity, You Thunderous Word    - A Cantata prepared for the First Sunday After the Trinity.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

A two part Cantata that examines the threat of eternal hell and damnation by way of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.   

Resound, you songs, ring out, you strings!   - A Cantata prepared for the Celebration of Pentecost .  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

A Cantata in which Bach teaches us that the Holy Spirit is every attached to God's Holy Word.

  God is Gone up With a Shout    - A Cantata prepared for the Vigil of the Ascension.  A production of KNNA the Cross Radio.  

Bringing Bach Back examines the theology and music of Bach Cantatas.

A two part Cantata that teaches that Christ ascended into heaven.