Bach’s motets constitute the most perfect and gem-like set amongst his works. They lay at the heart of his work as a teacher and choir-trainer, and grew out of a genre which the Bach family had cultivated for generations. This was the repertory that all his pupils were expected to sing and to master. Der Geist hilft is the only motet whose precise original function is documented, for a memorial service held in the University Church of St Paul on 20 October 1729. Its airy, concerto-type writing makes colossal demands of performers and, through the brilliant sonorities of the double-choir, we hear Bach’s unbounded optimism and certitude in the contemplation of death.

This is the first in a series of concerts, centring on Bach’s Motets BWV 225 – 230, taking place between October 2022 and March 2023. More information on the next events in the series will be coming soon.