On February 28th, operatic superstar and lauded mezzo soprano Elizabeth DeShong, luminary keyboardist Jory Vinikour, and Haymarket soloists Jeri-Lou Zike, Wendy Benner, and Craig Trompeter performed a program of Bach, Handel, and Corelli, which includes two of Bach’s most profound cantatas:  

Ich habe genug (I am content) for mezzo soprano, oboe, and strings was a favorite in the Bach household. Its peacefully entrancing aria “Schlummert ein” was copied into the personal notebook of his beloved second wife, Anna Magdalena. A musical sermon on the Biblical story of Simeon embracing the infant Jesus, Ich habe genug expresses the deep contentment of one who does not fear death, closing with a vigorous, dance-like aria on the text “I look forward to my death.”

Mein Herze schwimmt in Blut (My heart swims in blood) takes us on spiritual journey from shame and self-loathing through repentance and forgiveness. The aria “Stumme Seufzer, stille Klagen” (“Mute sighs, quiet laments”) is one of the most cathartic utterances of sorrow in all of music. The cantata closes with an ecstatic jig--Bach’s expression of the complete happiness found in forgiveness. 

Performance:
Friday, February 28 at 7:30pm

Gannon Concert Hall
2330 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614