Here are a few Bach Cantatas that I have been following in the past year or so. They are all directed by Rudolph Lutz, Director (Founder?) of the Bach Foundation (except the last one). Remember, BWV means Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, or Bach Works Catalogue.
We know this as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. On a trivial note, see the extraordinarily large contra-bassoon that is used in parts of this cantata.
J.S. Bach – Cantata BWV 80 “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott” (J.S. Bach Foundation) (28:47)
Here’s Rudy and friend, talking about BWV 80 in English:
Martin Luther’s Hymn: Bach’s BWV 80 “A Mighty Fortress is our God” Explained | Bach Factory (33:46)
And speaking of English, here are the lyrics for BWV 80:
This next one is maybe translated as “Wake Up, the Voice (of the Watchman Calleth).”
J. S. Bach – Cantata BWV 140 – Wachet auf Ruft uns die Stimme – (J.S. Bach Foundation) (27:57)
And here is Rudy, explaining details concerning BWV 140:
Bach explained: Workshop on cantata BWV 140 “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (J.S. Bach Foundation)
This third Cantata includes the hymn we know in English of “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring”. (Note that Rudy’s right hand is bandaged. He had a fall, and it was still in need of protection.)
J.S. Bach – Cantata BWV 147 _Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben_ (J.S. Bach Foundation) (33:17)
Here’s Rudy, talking about 147 in English. Here, his right hand is fine!
Here is the translation for 147:
https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/BWV147-Eng3.htm
Here’s a Bach Cantata I sang (in English) at ENC – “Jesu My Joy”.
J.S. Bach – Motet BWV 227 ‘Jesu, meine Freude’ (J.S. Bach Foundation) (24:04)
And for Lent, here as Christ Lay on the Bonds of Death:
Bach: BWV 4. Christ lag in Todesbanden – Guillon (live) (20:11)
And here are the English Lyrics
What is notable about this cantata is that Vonnie and I sang this a few months after we joined the Park Street Choir. While I had been singing in Chorus pro Musica, it was a BIG challenge for Vonnie. But she DID sing in the performance.