At Bach Vespers on March 28, 5:00 p.m., the Bach Choir and Orchestra will present Bach’s Cantata 1: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (O Morning Star, how fair and bright).* Other settings of the Morning Star chorale will include a motet for voices and instruments by Michael Praetorius** and an unaccompanied setting by Hans Friedrich Micheelsen (1902-1973). Guest conductor will be Allen Hightower, associate professor of music and director of choral studies at Sam Houston State University, and music director of the Huntsville Community Choral Society.
There is no admission charge for Vespers; an offering will be received.
*Bach’s Cantata 1, composed for the Feast of the Annunciation in 1725, is based on the hymn written in 1599 by Philipp Nicolai. The text is based on Luke 1:26-38, the Gospel which was read on that date, telling of the angel’s announcement to Mary of the birth of Christ.
**Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) was the son of a Lutheran pastor who had been a student of Luther. He was renowned as a conductor, an organ builder and consultant, a composer of chorales, and an expert on music, musical instruments and performance.