Town and Gown Lecture Series

Bach as Theologian in his Sacred Cantatas
March 18 - April 22, 2014

These sessions will meet five times on Tuesday evenings: March 18 & 25, April 8, 15, & 22 (all meetings from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.); Providence Hall Room 160

Johann Sebastian Bach is widely admired as one of the finest composers of the ages. He also deserves a place in history among the great theologians. His knowledge of Scripture and the writings of Martin Luther imbued his sacred works with a depth of feeling and a theological acumen that is unmatched by any other composer. The sacred cantatas in particular, written for inclusion in weekly worship services, rise to the level of “musical sermons.” As a whole they have even been called “The Fifth Gospel.” This Town & Gown course will explore the life and times of J. S. Bach and will present case studies of selected cantatas and other sacred vocal works. Students will deepen their appreciation for these monuments of musical literature and for the ways in which music can be used to worship God.

Series Poster (.pdf)

• March 18
• Dr. Joshua Veltman, Associate Professor of Music History and Literature, Union University
  Introduction and Syllabus (6 p.m.)
  "Christian Perspectives on Studying Old Music"
  "The Life and Career of J. S. Bach"
  "Cantata 199: Mein Herz schwimmt im Blut"
• March 25
• Dr. James Patterson, University Professor of Christian Thought and Tradition and Acting Dean of the School of Theology and Missions, Union University
  "Bach's Germany: Luther and the Reformation" (6 p.m.)
• Dr. Joshua Veltman, Associate Professor of Music History and Literature, Union University
  "Congregational Singing in Reformation Germany" (8 p.m.)
  "Cantata 61: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"
  "Cantata 4: Christ lag in Todes Banden"
• April 8
• Dr. Calvin Stapert, Professor Emeritus of Music, Calvin College, and author of My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000)
  "The St. Matthew Passion" (6 p.m.)
• Dr. Joshua Veltman, Associate Professor of Music History and Literature, Union University
  The Heidelberg Catechism (8 p.m.)
  "Cantata 77: Du sollst Gott, deinen Herren, lieben"
• April 15
• Dr. Stanley Warren, Professor of Music, Union University
  "Performing the Music of Bach" (6 p.m. in Hartley Hall)
  
• Dr. Joshua Veltman, Associate Professor of Music History and Literature, Union University
  "Baroque Voices and Instruments" (7 p.m.)
  "Cantata 147: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben"
  "Cantata 56: Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen"
• April 22
• Students
  Extra-credit presentations (6 p.m.)
• Dr. Joshua Veltman, Associate Professor of Music History and Literature, Union University
  "Cantata 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (as time allows)
  "Mass in B Minor"

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