J.S. Bach’s Actus tragicus: ‘Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit’ (BWV 106)

Written ‘probably’ in 1707, ‘perhaps’ on the death of his uncle (Tobias Lâmmerhirt of Erfurt), and for an unknown venue, ¹ this early Bach cantata poses intriguing questions for the performer. In this workshop some fundamental issues were identified, discussed and then explored in performance with the aid of members of the conference and students from the University of York.