Magnificat (BWV 243): Esurientes
Bach's Magnificat tells the story of Mary's rejoicing and God's providence. In the lovely "Esurientes" alto aria with a duo of flutes, we hear God's bounty against the silence of the rich being turned away empty-handed. But how do we, or Mary, or Bach, cope with the ever-present staggering wealth inequality in human society? Admitting it and learning about it is a start. Mary was optimistic, and the least Bach can do with Mary's song is to highlight its joy and inherent fairness in a hopeful and positive way. At "He has filled the hungry with good things..." the melody rises; the song falls at "...and sent the rich away empty." At the very last note, someone will leave empty-handed. But we, the listener, will be musically enriched. Bach's Magnificat, performed by the Netherlands Bach Society, conducted by Jos van Veldhoven -- this link takes you to the featured "Esurientes" movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsUWG2axB3w&t=1174s Alto: Maarten Engeltjes Flutes: Marten Root, Doretthe Janssens