The Music:
Today’s cantata draws upon those moments in life when confusing and random obstacles in our path make us fear for the future and we turn to God to show us the way. The music was written to accompany the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus calming the storm and the drama of a storm is ever-present throughout this cantata. The third movement, in particular, with its frantic singing and lively tempo pulls you into the eye of the storm and spits you back out again, all the wiser for it.

The Science:
There’s been a mistake. The venue has provided the wrong piano. The black notes are sticking, the white notes are out of tune, the pedals don’t work and the instrument itself is just too small.” What do you do? Tim Harford talks about how random obstacles and frustrations can inspire us to be more creative.

This series of stimulating Sunday morning concerts reimagine a traditional Sunday service, which included a Bach cantata, communally sung chorales, and a stimulating sermon, or in this case: lecture. We explore the ambitions of humankind through talks from leading figures in the world of science and pair up with a Bach Cantata, for an hour of reflection, inspiration and enquiry.