"Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands". Written when Bach was only 22, this is one of his finest cantatas. It sets the words of Luther’s great Easter hymn, celebrating Jesus’ victory over death.

"King of heaven, be welcome". As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and was welcomed by His disciples, so Christians are called to welcome Jesus in faith.

"Come, sweet hour of death". The soul’s eager longing to be finally united with Jesus—an encounter that makes the hour of death itself a sweet hour.

"I will not let go of you unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26). A funeral cantata, entrusting oneself to Jesus, as the only trustworthy comfort.

"God’s time is always the best time". One of Bach’s best-known and most beautiful vocal works, this funeral cantata sets a collection of funeral sentences, which remind us of our mortality and call us to place our trust in God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul". Bach’s very first cantata, a setting of Psalm 25.

"Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord". A penitential cantata, setting Psalm 130.

"Jesus took the twelve". A prayer to Jesus to draw us to Himself, to enable us to follow Him, so that nothing will cause us to lose our salvation.

"Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy word". A chorale cantata paraphrasing and elaborating on one of Luther’s best-known hymns, calling on God to protect His children by the power of His word from the enemies of the faith.

"I am content with my fortune". An acknowledgement that everything we have is from God, that all of it is an unmerited gift, and that Christians have the hope of a better reward than what this life offers.