Chorale Architecture: From Expectation to Fulfillment

Chorale Architecture: From Expectation to Fulfillment opens the Washington Bach Consort’s Director’s Series with four cantatas demonstrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s inventive treatment of chorale melodies. The program traces a musical journey from anticipation and supplication through watchfulness and readiness to joyful fulfillment.

The concert begins with the regal Advent invocation of *Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland*, BWV 61, whose opening movement draws on the French overture style. Bach’s rarely performed *Nimm von uns, Herr*, BWV 101, forms the program’s center, intensifying its prayerful “Our Father” text through striking dissonances. *Wachet auf*, BWV 140, explores both energetic and tranquil forms of spiritual readiness, while *Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben*, BWV 147, closes the program with joyful confidence and the chorale melody widely known as “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

When: October 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Showtimes: One performance is listed at 4:00 p.m.

Venue: National Presbyterian Church

Series: Director’s Series

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Program: *Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland*, BWV 61; *Nimm von uns, Herr*, BWV 101; *Wachet auf*, BWV 140; and *Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben*, BWV 147

Soloists: Elijah McCormack, soprano; Kristen Dubenion-Smith, alto; Andrew Bearden Brown, tenor; and Paul Max Tipton, bass

Run time: Approximately 145 minutes, including intermission

Tickets: Price not available

Ages: No age guidance is provided.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is provided.

Underwriters: William B. Munier and Laurinda L. Rohn, and Tom Morante, in memory of Marianne Splitter.