Name: Der zufriedengestellte Aeolus, BWV 205 & Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren, BWV 137
Start: 2026-01-11T14:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-11T17:00:00-08:00
Location: St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland

$Der zufriedengestellte Aeolus, BWV 205 & Lobe den Herren, den m\u00e4chtigen K\u00f6nig der Ehren, BWV 137$

As Thomaskantor in Leipzig, Bach was also heavily involved in civic life. Der zufriedengestellte Aeolus (The contented Aeolus; BWV 205) was commissioned by the students of the University of Leipzig to celebrate the name day of a beloved professor in August 1725. While Bach never wrote an opera, he wrote several drammi per musica for secular celebrations, including this charming adaptation of a portion of Virgil’s Aeneid.
In the same month, Bach provided music for yet another grand civic occasion: Ratswahl, or the inauguration of the town council. Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren (Praise the Lord, the mighty King of honor; BWV 137), is a potent evocation of both sacred and secular power, reminding (or coercing, perhaps?) the listener to praise the powers that be through music of unbridled joy.
We ask for a donation at each session of $20 per person to cover a stipend for the music director and other expenses. But any amount is welcome, and no one is turned away.
Learn more at https://berkeleybachcantata.org!