J. S. Bach: "Ich steh mit einem Fuss im Grabe" - Kantaten

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7 p.m., ref. Church Grüsch (birthday of J. S. Bach)
(Sunday, March 22, 2026, 5 p.m., Comanderkirche Chur)

Works:

Lord, do not go into judgment with your servant (BWV 105)
I stand with one foot in the grave (BWV 156)
Lord, as you will, so send it with me (BWV 73)
Final chorale from BWV 36a "Grüne, blühe, lebe lang" (on Bach's birthday)

To the program

Thematically, the three cantatas form an impressive sequence of inner soul movements between fear, nearness to death and finally trusting submission to God's will. BWV 105 represents the most dramatic starting point: the soul stands before God's judgment and recognizes its own guilt. Fear, contrition and a strong feeling of inadequacy characterize the expression. The cantata traces a path from the panicked plea for spare to the realization that only God's grace can bring salvation. In BWV 156, the existential distress is continued, but in a calmer, almost resigned attitude. "I stand with one foot in the grave" describes a person who clearly sees his own end and at the same time remains in tender hope. The well-known slow opening movement with the soft oboe melody lends the cantata a contemplative dimension: between nearness to death and consolation, a quiet trust unfolds, which is still fragile but already comforting.

Finally, BWV 73 leads this inner process to a point of mature devotion: "Lord, as you will, send it with me" is characterized by a firmly resolute trust in God's guidance, even if his will remains unfathomable to man. The tone is no longer fearful or resigned, but characterized by active approval of divine providence. The three cantatas trace a spiritual path as Bach often depicts it in his church works: from the fear of God's justice, to the experience of human weakness and the nearness of death, to a conscious, hopeful devotion to the divine will.


Performers
Soloists:

Manuela Tuena, soprano; Nora Bertogg, mezzo-soprano; Christoph Waltle, Tenor; Mattias Müller-Arpagaus, baritone

Bach Orchestra Chur
Maria Scheidegger, concertmaster
Pieder Jörg, harpsichord / organ

Bach Choir Chur

Tickets Fr. 40 / 30 at the box office / no advance booking

More information will follow