Refrains of the Reformation

The program celebrates the enduring musical legacy of the Reformation, with works inspired by Martin Luther. His hymn Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”) became the anthem of the Reformation. Nearly two centuries later, J.S Bach gave Ein feste Burg new life in his monumental Cantata BWV 80 by drawing upon familiar chorales to unify theology and art. The choir will perform this famous cantata, as well as works by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, which both reveal a reverence for the sacred word and the belief that music, sung in the people’s language, remain a powerful expression of faith.