"I would gladly bear the cross-staff". A work for bass solo, this cantata is a declaration of confidence in God's love through Jesus Christ. Even suffering and death, when received from God's hand, can be received with joy.

BWV 180 Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele

Series combining profound Lutheran spirituality with exquisite music. Pastor Tapani Simojoki introduces a cantata written by Bach for each Sunday of the church year. The cantatas of J.S. Bach form one of the most impressive musical achievements in the history of Western music. Over a period of several years, Bach wrote a new cantata every week to adorn the worship of St. Thomas church in Leipzig - a breath-taking task, producing some of the world's greatest church music.