Relayed from St. George's Concert Hall
(J.S. Bach - Born March 21, 1685)
The Liverpool Bach Choir and The Liverpool Wireless Orchestra, conducted by Dr. James E. Wallace
Alice Vaughan (Contralto)
Geoffrey Dams (Tenor)
J.T. Williams (Bass)

Chorale, 'Jesu, joy of man's desiring '

This, one of about three hundred Church Cantatas composed by Bach, was written (for the ninth Sunday after Trinity) about 1725, when he was directing the music at the Thomas Church in Leipzig. It is scored for Strings, With two Oboes and two Horns, and comprises six portions : a Chorus, first prayerful and then vigorous, a Contralto recitative, pleading for God's clemency, followed by a Soprano air - an expression of the sinner's agitation at the stirrings of conscience. There follows a Bass recitative, consoling such fears with the thought of the happiness of him who knows his Saviour, and a Tenor Air glorifying the love of Jesus above all earthly treasure. The work ends with a Chorale expressing the sinner's joy at his forgiveness, and his assurance of heavenly joy, through faith.

Suite, No. 3, for Strings
Cantata, 'God's time is best'
This, Bach's hundred-and-sixth Cantata, was composed for some funeral occasion. It begins with an Introduction, scored for Flute, Strings and Continuo (a keyboard part). The first Chorus sings of the good purpose of God, by whom life and death are appointed in His good time. 'O Lord, teach us to remember that our days are numbered; incline us to wisdom,' is part of its thought.
Contralto and Bass sing together, 'Into Thy keeping my spirit I confide...'

Finally, the Chorus ascribes praise and glory to Father, Son and Spirit, through whom man's fight is won. This Movement, from a cantata for the First Sunday after Trinity, brings in a chorale (hymn) tune, on the Trumpet - the tune to the hymn beginning 'What God does, that alone is right..... His word's a rock..... My Father's care is ever near, His strong right arm doth shield me. To Him, I trusting, yield me.'