The programme opens with Bach’s first Leipzig cycle, BWV 144 Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin – a cantata encapsulated by the moral drawn by Bach’s librettist from the Gospel for the day.  Following the magnificent bold and uncompromising opening, the moral of the cantata is beautifully portrayed in Murre nicht, lieber Christ - an aria set as a minuet for alto over a pulsating string accompaniment to represent the mutterings of dissatisfied Christians.  Gardiner stresses this sentiment by making the choir sing the final chorale Ich leb indes in dir vergnüget a cappella and quietly.