Description
A prayer of protection, hope, and faith. The closing chorale of J.S. Bach's Cantata BWV 190 is a moment where time suspends, and the voice of humanity reaches toward eternity.
THE CONTEXT: NEW YEAR’S DAY, 1724 Bach composed this masterpiece for his first New Year’s Day in Leipzig. It was the Feast of the Circumcision and the Holy Name of Jesus—a day not just of celebration, but of solemn transition. The original manuscript was nearly lost to history, damaged by time, making this surviving chorale a precious remnant of resilience. It stands as a musical testament that beauty can endure even the harshest conditions.
THE VOICE OF A 19-YEAR-OLD POET In 1593, Johannes Hermann penned these words at age 19. This verse of his hymn "Jesu, nun sei gepreiset" became a cornerstone of the Lutheran tradition. "Laß uns das Jahr vollbringen" — Let us complete the year. Not conquer it. Not dominate it. Simply fulfill it. There is deep humility in this plea, and in that surrender, a profound strength.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF HOPE Bach set this prayer in D Major, the key of glory. Listen to how he transforms Melchior Vulpius's simple 1609 melody. The three trumpets and timpani are not mere decorations; they are the voice of the divine, sealing each petition like an unshakeable decree: • GRATITUDE: "Let us complete the year to the praise of Your name" • PETITION: "If You choose to extend our lives through Your hand" • PROTECTION: "Sustain Your beloved Christians and our fatherland" • PEACE: "Turn Your blessing upon us, give peace to every outcome" • TRUTH: "Grant, uncorrupted, to our country, Your holy word"
WHY THIS MUSIC ENDURES This is music for the soul when the masks are removed. It speaks to the anxiety of new beginnings and the uncertainty of the future. Bach understood that great art embraces vulnerability. This chorale is honest in its need. It asks for strength, and in that asking, it becomes invincible.
When the final chord fades, the listener is changed. We are reminded that we do not face the coming year alone.
"Laß uns das Jahr vollbringen." Let us complete the year. Together. In faith. In hope. In music.
MUSICAL DIRECTION: Sebastjan Vrhovnik | ORCHESTRA: Carinthian Baroque Orchestra (Concertmaster: Thomas Fheodoroff) | CHOIR: Glasbena Matica Musical Society Choir (Choirmaster: Tanja Rupnik, Choir Assistant/Pianist: Alina Kolomiets)
PRODUCTION: Director: Primož Zevnik | Producers: Juš Hrastnik, Gal Nagode, Primož Zevnik | Set Design: Tatjana Kortnik | Floral Design: Aleš Forjanič | Scenography Assistant: Gašper Polajžer
AUDIO: Sound Engineer: Danilo Ženko | Mastering: Iztok Zupan
CAMERAS: Rok Misson, Gašper Gorenak, Alen Hočevar, Tevž Smolnikar, Matevž Dermota, Luka Bavdaž, Mak Detela | Production Cameras: TAJUS | Cable Cam: Tine Lenart (Aircam.si) | Dolly: Aljaž Žavrlan
TECHNICAL CREW: Janez Draksler, Nik Plevanč, Anže Tešar Kmetec, David Zavrl, Lovro Bakonić, Maks Rupnik, Mark Bernard, Matija Repinc, Tor Žerjav, Aljaž Magdič, Tina Eržen Miličić, Ana Grgić
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS: Dan Ažman, Gal Nagode, Juš Hrastnik | CATERING: GA-TERING, Gašper Hočevar s.p.
CO-PRODUCTION: EGSŠ Radovljica (Director: Ksenija Lipovšček)
SPECIAL THANKS: Slovenska Filharmonija (Director: Matej Šarc), Mestna Občina Ljubljana (Mayor: Zoran Janković)
© TAJUS PRODUKCIJA | © PPZ
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