Bach on Good Friday

REllis headshot

Rochelle Ellis will be the soprano soloist for the Good Friday concert on April 3, 7:30 p.m., Hyosang Park directs the Chancel Choir in Bach Cantata 21 “Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis” (I had much affliction in my heart). 

Solo oboe and violin open the cantata, picturing suffering and pain. “A  sighing motif, the picture of a storm of tears, and the flood image conjured by the upwelling music characterizes the dark and oppressive feeling,” according to a Wikipedia entry. But the  changes in the second part, which shows “the trust of sinners in the grace of God, the mood transforms into “curls” of joy, with the final movement forming a strong hymn of praise.”

Instrumentalists include Joshua Im and Ileana Ciumac, violin;  Paul Manulik, viola; Mimi Morris-Kim, cello;  Melissa Bohl, oboe; Loren Stata, bassoon; and Christopher Williams, continuo. The tenor role will be sung by Kyle Masson, and David Kellett will sing bass. This concert honors the late Sally Ross, a faithful choir member.

Also on Good Friday, at noon,  there will be a worship service in the sanctuary, Rev. Anna Gillette preaching.