Atlanta Master Chorale performed "Bach (Again) - Come Sweet Death", composed by J.S. Bach, conceived by Edwin London, and arranged by Rhonda Sandberg, at our Season Premiere Concert, "Double Take" on October 14, 2017 at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Conductor: Dr. Eric Nelson
Publication Credit: Bach (Again) - Come Sweet Death | J.S. Bach 1736 | Conceived by Edwin London | Arr. Rhonda Sandberg | (c) 1980, 1986 Aberdeen Music Inc.
www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org
The hymnal known as the Schmelli Gesangbuch includes close to 900 hymns including 69 sacred pieces featuring a melody and a figured bass, but it's Bach's mournful music for solo voice and basso continuo, "Come Sweet Death" (Komm, süßer Tod, komm selige Ruh), which rises above the rest.
Unlike many of the arrangements and newly harmonized chorales, this five-verse song is thought to have been written from scratch for the songbook. Bach used lyrics by an unknown poet, written around 1724, asking death to come quickly and peacefully to deliver the singer to heaven, where he can see the face of Jesus.
There's something deeply moving about the single vocal line singing such poignant text, and it's been suggested this introspective piece is a reflection of the personal tragedies in Bach's life. Still, whatever the motivation for its composition, there's no doubt the music is some of Bach's most reflective and devotional songs.
Edwin London's "Bach (Again) - Come Sweet Death" is a very unique setting during which the choir signs as they sing. At one distinct point the individual chorus members all sign their parts at different speeds as they sign individually.
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