Bach & the Reformation

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Gott, der Herr, ist Sonn und Schild, BWV 79
Mass in A, BWV 234
Christe, du Lamm Gottes, 245/40^II
Mass in F, BWV 233
O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht, BWV 118

Maria Valdmaa (soprano),
Iris Oja (alto),
Uku Joller (bass)

Ensemble Studio Vocale and Festival Baroque Orchestra
Conductor Toomas Siitan

Johann Sebastian Bach has been called the Supreme Cantor and his cantatas “the Fifth Gospel”. Bach’s oeuvre is without a doubt the highlight of Protestant music. Although Bach’s so-called Lutheran masses are not often performed, they form a fabulous part of Bach’s church music output. “Gott der Herr is Sonn und Schild”, composed for Reformation Day services, is one of Bach’s most spectacular festive cantatas.