@BloomsburyBaptistApr 03
A gift for Good Friday. This beautiful cantata, Jesu, dulcis memoria, was offered as part of our worship at Bloomsbury today. Written by Dieterich Buxtehude during his long ministry at the Marienkirche, it draws us into a deeply reflective meditation on the sweetness of Christ’s presence, even in the shadow of the cross. So compelling was Buxtehude’s music that the young Johann Sebastian Bach once walked more than 250 miles to hear him play, staying for months to absorb the richness of his work. Today’s performance, for two singers, two violins and organ, offered an extended musical prayer. The text speaks of Jesus as “sweet memory”, the source of true joy, hope for the penitent, and goodness for all who seek. On this Good Friday, as we hold together grief and love, suffering and grace, we invite you to pause, listen, and receive this music as a gift.