Disciplines: Music for Lent

Much like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Bach represents a summit of human achievement. Throughout his life the organ was the instrument that proved an indispensable musical companion. From his earliest years to his deathbed, there was hardly a time in Bach's life when he was not obliged to play the organ and compose for it. Because of this, the organ works form a centerpiece of his creative evolution and existence.

Bach's organ works continue to surprise and astonish three hundred years later. They are the organist's supreme challenge. They are the listener's supreme delight. They are the perfect marriage of humble purpose and high genius. In this series, each performance highlights musical and personal themes throughout Bach's life. This thematic arrangement takes listeners on an intimate journey through these pieces.

Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 546 

Von Gott will ich nicht lassem, BWV 658 (I will not abandon God)
Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot, BWV 635 (These are the holy ten commandments)

O Lamm Gottes unschuldig, BWV 1085a (O spotless Lamb of God)
O Lamm Gottes unschuldig, BWV 656
O Lamm Gottes unschuldig, BWV 618

Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 623 (We thank thee, Lord Jesus Christ)

Trio Sonata in C minor, BWV 526
            Vivace
            Largo
            Allegro

Christus, der uns selig macht, BWV 620 (Christ who makes us glad)
Christe, du Lamm Gottes, BWV 619 (Christ, Lamb of God)
Hilf Gott, daß mir’s gelinge, BWV 624 (Help thou me, O God)
Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stend’, BWV 621 (As Jesus hung upon the cross)

Alle Menschen müssen sterben, BWV 643 (All mankind must die)
Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig, BWV 644 (Ah how fleeting, ah how vain is the life of man)
Durch Adam’s Fall ist ganz verderbt, BWV 637 (By Adam’s fall has man sinned)
Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, BWV 638 (Salvation is come to us)

Prelude and Fugue in B minor, BWV 544