"It is finished."  This falling melody, sung by Christ at the moment of His death, is followed by the pivotal alto aria "Es ist vollbracht".  We explore the musical texture, the dramatic contrasts, the foreshadowing of the "vivace" middle section, and the way that silence can speak louder than words or music.   We also uncover a truth about the word "finished" in this biblical passage. 

"Es ist vollbracht" as performed by Marine Fribourg (alto), Meineke van der Velden (viola da gamba solo) for the Netherlands Bach Society

Link to the devotional book Alex mentioned at the end of the episode.  Thank you to listener and friend Marcia Biang for this book recommendation!