Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream in Harkness Chapel
Program
J.S. Bach's Cantatas: Solo Arias for Voice and Violin
BAROQUE CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Jaap ter Linden, director
Parastoo Heidarinejad, graduate assistant
While many of Bach’s cantatas were composed for worship, he also wrote works for civic ceremonies and public occasions. Sacred arias offer personal reflections on faith, contentment, blessing, and joy, while selections from secular cantatas reveal a more public voice—at times addressing political tension, civic grief, and even criticism of ineffective governance. In these works, music becomes not only devotion, but commentary.
The program includes arias and recitatives from:
- Cantata BWV 171 – Jesus soll mein erstes Wort
- Cantata BWV 198 – Dein Sachsen, dein bestürztes Meißen • Verstummt, verstummt, ihr holden Saiten!
- Cantata BWV 120 – Heil und Segen
- Cantata BWV 84 – Gott ist mir • Ich esse mit Freuden
The evening also features the first and second movements of the Sonata in D Major for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord, BWV 1028, showcasing Bach’s lyrical chamber writing and the expressive partnership between melody and continuo.
Performed by student and faculty artists from the Historical Performance Practice program, this concert invites listeners into a rich and expressive sound world shaped by moments of devotion, drama, and deeply human emotion.
CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a dynamic season of concerts, recitals, and special events featuring students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary works, the series highlights the creativity and excellence of CWRU’s vibrant music community. All events are open to the public.
During the 2025–26 season, CWRU celebrates its Bicentennial—200 years of academic excellence, innovation, and impact—honoring the generations who have shaped the performing arts at CWRU while looking ahead to the future.
Venue Information
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant setting on the Mather Quad. This neo-Gothic landmark commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance and reflects Cleveland’s rich cultural and philanthropic history. Designed by architect Charles F. Schweinfurth, the chapel is renowned for its soaring arches, exquisite woodwork, and luminous Tiffany stained-glass windows.
Health + Safety
The health and well-being of our community is important to us as we gather for campus events. University Health and Counseling Services provides up-to-date guidance and resources to help support a safe campus experience. For life-threatening emergencies, please call CWRU Public Safety immediately at 216.368.3333.