Actus Tragicus

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. Scott C. Milner Bach in Context Bach in Context – a long-term collaboration between Musica Amphion and Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam – sheds new light on Bach’s magnificent repertoire: cantatas, motets and organ works that are related in liturgical-musical way are performed together in a quasi-liturgical setting. By employing the main church-organ as continuo instrument, and performing the choruses and chorales in a one-per-part vocal setting – and where needed with ripienists – Bach’s sound picture and performance practice is approached as closely as possible. In this way the audience is offered a new viewpoint on this beloved repertoire. The Bach in Context programmes are performed in concert at various venues, including the resident Bach in Context venues Martinikerk Groningen (in collaboration with Stichting Martinikerk), Grote Kerk Maassluis (in collaboration with Muziek tussen Maas en Sluis) and Waalse Kerk Amsterdam.