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Over four presentations, we will explore the Advent cantatas of JS Bach. For each cantata, the single movements will first of all be explained and illustrated, followed by a complete performance of that particular cantata. Where appropriate, instrumental versions of the main tunes will conclude each presentation. Full texts with English translations and musical examples will be provided.

Sequence
November 7: Cantata BWV 61 (Nun komm der Heiden Heiland)
November 14: Cantata BWV 36 (Schwingt freudig empor)
November 21: Cantata BWV 132 (Bereitet die Wege, bereitet die Bahn)
November 28: Cantata BWV 62 (Nun komm der Heiden Heiland)

Cantata BWV 61 (PDF)
Cantata BWV 36 (PDF)
Cantata BWV 132 (PDF)
Cantata BWV 62 (PDF)

Resources
Bach Website (texts, translations, performances, commentary)
Cantatas of Bach (a general introduction)
Alfred Dürr (musicologist)

Performers
Bach Collegium Japan
Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists
Concentus Musicus Wien
Freiburger Barockorchester
All of Bach (Netherlands Bach Society