The Joy of Bach!

Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten (We run with stumbling but eager steps) - the 2nd movement of J. S. Bach's cantata, Jesu, Der Du meine Seele -  is among the most beloved and recognized works of J.S. Bach- why? Is it the delight to be found in the voicing of a soprano and alto "speaking" to each other in duet? Is it the "bouncing" instrumental bass line? 

We often speak of the "joy" found in the works of Bach but do we really stop to think about why we experience that beyond just the surface textures? While preparing this work, I was reminded of a touching conversation between coloratura soprano Beverly Sills and the 'Tonight Show" host, Johnny Carson. Mr. Carson, a long time friend of Ms. Sills, asked her if she was a happy person. Her response, to his surprise as well as the audience was "No, I am not". Ms. Sills went on to say that she loved her work and her family but that the suffering in her personal life would never allow her to be happy. But, FOR THOSE SAME REASONS, she was quite joyful!

It is my personal conviction that had J.S. Bach been asked Mr. Carson's question, he would have given an answer similar to that of Ms. Sills. He suffered great personal loss in both family and business and yet, what an outpouring of audible verve in his music. Here is why I believe that, without even knowing it , we are "hooked" by the music of Bach. He knew incredible suffering and yet offers such hope and joy. It is his suffering which produces such genuine hope and joy in his music - and a faith in God that is both grounded and unmistakable!