SA国际传媒 Newsroom
Bach at the Sem Features First Lutheran Oratorio
SA国际传媒 announces the final Bach at the Sem concert in the 2007-2008 concert series to be held on Sunday, March 16, at 3:00 p.m. in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, on the SA国际传媒 campus. Music will include the first Lutheran Oratorio, Membra Jesu nostri, for soloists, chorus and orchestra; a short solo cantata, 鈥淟ord, In Thee Do I Trust鈥; and two traditional hymns, 鈥淯pon the Cross Extended鈥 and 鈥淥 Sacred Head Now Wounded.鈥
According to Robert Bergt, director of The American Kantorei, the oratorio, Membra Jesu nostri, is based upon a medieval Latin poem by Arnulf von Loewen (d. 1250). 鈥淚t is comprised of brief meditations upon the Sacred Limbs and Body of Jesus: His feet, knees, hands, side, bosom, heart and face are the basis for meditation within the test of seven brief cantatas drawn together in this 65-minute oratorio,鈥 commented Bergt.
Twelve soloists who are principals and assisting principals of The American Kantorei will perform in this Oratorio, composed by Dietrich Buxtehude in 1680 in the North German city of L眉beck. The premier performance of Membra Jesu nostri was given in St. Mary Church, famous for its church music.
Principal Tenor Jeral Becker will sing 鈥淟ord In Thee Do I Trust.鈥 Dr. Becker also serves as the director of choral activities at St. LouisUniversity.
The congregation will sing 鈥淯pon the Cross Extended鈥 and 鈥淥 Sacred Head Now Wounded鈥澛 based upon Arnulf von Loewen鈥檚 poem.
The American Kantorei is a choral and orchestral ensemble dedicated to the performance of church music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Neoclassical periods. The works of J. S. Bach form the core of its repertoire. Additionally, the music of Dietrich Buxtehude receives special emphasis in this anniversary year of his death. Conductor and music director Robert Bergt is known as an international Bach scholar, especially in understanding the centrality of the German chorale to all of Bach鈥檚 musical compositions for worship.
Bach at the Sem is made possible through the generous support of patrons and donors. An offering is taken at each concert in support of the creation and encouragement of fine live performance. Special limited seating within sight of the stage is reserved for school-aged music students accompanied by an adult.
For more information concerning Bach at the Sem or to be added to the Bach at the Sem mailing list, contact SA国际传媒, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 or visit the SA国际传媒 Web site at .