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 525
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Reitze Smits
2. Cantate, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus), BWV 106: Sonatina
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Musica Amphion
3. Cantate, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus), BWV 106: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, Musica Amphion
4. Cantate, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus), BWV 106: In deine Hände befehl ich meinen Geist
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Terry Wey, Hana Blaziková, Musica Amphion
5. Cantate, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus Tragicus), BWV 106: Glorie, Lob, Ehr und Herrlichkeit
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, Musica Amphion
6. Sonata No. 2 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: Adagio
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Reitze Smits
7. Motetta, Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, Musica Amphion
8. Orgelchoral, Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Reitze Smits
9. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, Musica Amphion
10. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: Ich will auch mit gebrochnen Augen
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Marnix De Cat, Musica Amphion
11. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: O Wunder, dass ein Herz
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Jelle Draijer, Musica Amphion
12. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: Ein unbegreiflich Licht erfüllt den ganzen Kreis der Erden
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Jelle Draijer, Harry van Berne, Musica Amphion
13. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: O unerschöpfter Schatz der Güte
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Marnix De Cat, Musica Amphion
14. Cantate, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125: Er ist das heil und sel’ge Licht
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, Musica Amphion
15. Sonata No. 3 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: Allegro
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Artist(s): Reitze Smits
