Bach Cantata

Grace Lutheran Church presents Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata No. 34, O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe (O Everlasting Fire, O Source of Love), this Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m., in a service of Choral Vespers.

Written for the Feast of Pentecost, which most Christian churches celebrate this Sunday, this magnificent Cantata begins and ends with two fiery, festive movements for chorus and large-scale orchestra: three trumpets, timpani, two oboes, two flutes, string ensemble, and continuo organ.

The centerpiece of the Cantata, an exquisite alto aria reminiscent of the famous cradle song in Bach's Christmas Oratorio, will be sung by Apryl Helder, messo soprano from Fair Lawn.  Other featured soloists are Dory Schultz, Tenor, and Robert Prowse, baritone from Emerson.

Participating musicians from the area include violinists Lisa Steinberg of Norwood and Gabriel Schaff of Harrington Park; violist Louis Day of Paramus; flutists Marcia Hankle of Teaneck and Reva Youngstein of River Edge; oboists Marcia Heller of Leonia and Sarah Davol of Teaneck; and trumpeters Carl Albany of River Edge and Dominic Derasse of Dumont.  Teaneck organist Peter Calabro will play an extensive prelude to the service.  Grace Lutheran's cantor, Carol Weber, will direct the choir and orchestra.




Guests are invited to stay for light refreshments after the service. There is no admission charge but an offering to support Bach Vespers will be received.