Sunday Cantata

"God alone shall possess my heart". A work for alto solo, this cantata is a response to the double-commandment of love, to love God above all things and your neighbour as yourself.

"Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled". A call to humility in the face of God’s glory and human sinfulness, with a prayer to Jesus to grant such humility.

"Christ, who is my life". A reflection on Jesus’ raising of the son of the widow of Nain, this cantata is built around four Lutheran funeral hymns. It expresses the Christian hope that death holds no fear for those whose Saviour Jesus is.

"Shout for joy to God in every land". An exuberant solo cantata for soprano, calling God’s people to praise Him for His faithfulness. This cantata closes with an extraordinary ’Alleluia’ for soprano and solo trumpet.

"Jesus, by whom my soul". A chorale cantata based on a hymn by Johann Rist, in which the Christian takes comfort in the sufferings of Jesus for our salvation.

"On you alone, Lord Jesus Christ". A chorale cantata based on a hymn by Konrad Huber, a reminder that our loving God is our only lasting hope.

"Spirit and soul are thrown into confusion". A solo cantata for the alto, based on Jesus’ healing of the deaf and mute man (Mark 7), marvelling at God’s miraculous care for His children. [Translation of the libretto]

"My heart swims in blood". This early solo cantata for soprano solo is a reflection on Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18), pleading for the forgiveness of sins.

"Take from us, Lord, you faithful God". A chorale cantata based on a penitential hymn by Martin Möller, begging for God’s merciful forgiveness of our sins and release from their just punishment.

"What is the world to me". A chorale cantata based on a well-known Lutheran hymn. The message of the hymn is that the vanishing treasures of the world are nothing compared to the true, eternal treasure, Jesus.

"If God, the Lord, does not stay with us". A chorale cantata based on one of the very earliest Lutheran hymns, written by a friend and colleague of Martin Luther. It is a paraphrase of Psalm 124, reminding us that it is only the grace of God that can save us from our spiritual enemies: sin, death and the devil.

"The eyes of all look to you". This cantata draws on texts from both the Old and the New Testaments to reassure us that we can trust God since He has provides for us and has promised to care for us.

"Contented peace, beloved joy of the soul". This cantata for solo alto reminds us that true and lasting peace and joy can only be found in God’s kingdom.

"If thou but trust in God to guide thee". A chorale cantata based on a hymn by Georg Neumark, this work calls on the Christian to trust in God’s goodness and guidance in all circumstances.

"I had much affliction". The distressed soul calls to God for relief, and Jesus responds with the promise of peace and unending care.

"O Lord, look down from heaven, behold". A chorale cantata based on Luther’s paraphrase of Psalm 12. A prayer of the faithful for the protection of God’s holy word against heresy and false belief.

"Share your bread with the hungry". A call for Christians to care for the needs of the hungry and poor – and to give thanks to God for all the good things He has done for us.

"The Lord, my God, be praised". A chorale cantata for Trinity Sunday, setting the words of this well-known hymn of praise by Johannes Olearius.

"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word" (John 14:23). A Christian implores Christ to dwell in him and never leave him. Christ promises to make His dwelling place in everyone who believes in Him (John 14:28), which is the source of the Christian’s hope and joy.

"Praise God in His kingdoms" – the Ascension Oratorio. [Translation of the libretto]

"Until now you have asked nothing in my name" (John 16:24). A call to fervent prayer: since we have transgressed God’s will and failed to believe the Gospel, we must entrust ourselves to His promise to have mercy on us.

"Where are you going?" (John 16:5). A reminder to Christians not to be falsely attached to this world but always to have in mind the promise of eternal life.

"Weeping, lamentation, worry, apprehension" (John 16:20). Jesus turns our sorrow into joy.

"Hear, O shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80:1). A meditation on Jesus as the Good Shepherd of His flock, who will feed and tend them.

"On the evening of the same Sabbath" (John 20:19). Jesus is in the midst of His children, and and he is their shield against temptation. [Translation of the libretto]