We’re at Advent II, which is about peace and preparation.
Both are critical elements of the season—stepping away from the quotidian madness to reflect upon the gift soon to be given, and to prepare for receiving it. It is not, after all, a blender that you can put on your pantry shelf after politely thanking the person who regifted it to you. No, no—we’re talking about a paradigm-shifting, bootstrapping, disruptive thought leader here; this takes considerable groundwork for those who are part of the distribution chain.
So today let’s have “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme”. It’s
the first chorus in J.S. Bach’s cantata of the same name, BWV 140. It’s based
on a Lutheran hymn that predates Bach by about 125 years, and it’s about being
both alert and prepared for the arrival of the Messiah. The text references the
parable of the wise and foolish virgins—two groups of maidens waiting to greet
the bridegroom at a wedding. Only one group has really thought through—and
prepared for—this arrival; no prizes for guessing which one.
(Also, you can take it as read that this is one parable
that’s overdue for an update removing the sexist framing. Or at least mention
all the men at the wedding who are getting drunk on beer, shooting craps and
generally getting in the caterer’s way, all the while expecting someone else
to see to the lighting.)
Here’s a performance of it by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir.
©2024 Bas Bleu
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