A hidden gem, a fully-formed masterpiece from a young Bach, a cantata unburdened by his later fascination with Italian-style recitative and da capo arias: it is the incomparable Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit.

We look at this cantata for a third time (see season 1 episode 8 for the sonatina, and season 3 episode 15 for the soprano solo ending moment).  Near the end of the cantata, we are placed in the viewpoint of the criminal on the cross, who receives forgiveness by Christ and is told "today, you will be with me in Paradise".  Bach weaves in a Luther hymn about departing this earth peacefully... and at a critical moment, the Christ solo ends and the hymn is all that's left, with the words "gentle and quiet".  The Netherlands Bach Society interpretation of this moment is unique and powerful -- they let the moment breathe.

Performance of BWV 106 "Gottes Zeit" by the Netherlands Bach Society, led by Jos van Veldhoven

or, skip ahead to "Heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein"