About Bach, the Universe and Everything:

This is a concert series with a difference. Across six Sunday morning events, we explore the human desire to understand our place in the cosmos, guided by the work of JS Bach – composer and intergalactic genius – through his 200 cantatas. As NASA shares images from the very first moments of time, we invite you to join us on a cosmic journey: each event is built around a Bach cantata and a talk from a guest scientist, writer or broadcaster, alongside choral and instrumental music.

In our Sunday morning Christmas special edition, Dallas Campbell explores the historical links between space travel, music and our quest to find life beyond earth.

Bach’s cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben was written for the Feast of the Visitation, which marks Mary’s visit to Elizabeth after her own encounter with other-worldly beings. A substantial and celebratory cantata it features four soloists, chorus and a large ensemble with trumpets, oboes and strings.

Dallas Campbell is a broadcaster and writer on science. As a presenter he is known for The Gadget Show (Channel 5), City in the Sky and Bang Goes the Theory (BBC). His first book is Ad Astra: An Illustrated Guide to Leaving the Planet.

Duration: approx. 1hr with no interval

‘It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.’ 

Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot