Bach: Motet ’The Spirit helps us in our weakness’ | RIAS Kammerchor & Akademie für Alte Musik

Johann Sebastian Bach was going through hard times, but his music had a profound sense of hope. One of his most popular motets, “Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf” BWV 226 (The Spirit helps us in our weakness) was composed in 1728/29 during his tenure as Cantor at St. Thomas Church, where he faced numerous challenges. To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the esteemed choir RIAS Kammerchor performed this motet, alongside the Akademie für Alte Musik under the baton of Hans-Christoph Rademann. The concert took place in 2008 in the Gethsemane Church in Berlin. () Coming on stage (00:16) Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (The Spirit helps us in our weakness) (02:48) Sondern der Geist selbst vertritt uns aufs beste (But the Spirit Himself intercedes for us) (03:56) Der aber die Herzen forschet (He who searches our hearts) (06:37) Choral: Du heilige Brunst, süßer Trost (Chorale: You holy fire, sweet comfort) Stephanie Petitlaurent | SOPRANO Waltraud Heinrich |