Motets were a common musical form in 17th-century Lutheran Germany, one that was particularly appreciated by a young J. S. Bach (1685–1750). Motets were distinct from cantatas in that, while they may have employed chorales, they did not make use of modern poetry. The motet “Ich lasse dich nicht” has been variously attributed to Bach and his father’s cousin Johann Christoph Bach. The music, for double choir at the outset, “wrestles” with a line from today’s reading from Genesis. The insertion of “mein Jesu” into the biblical text gives the verse a Christological frame, one amplified by the appended chorale.

The anthem at Communion, King of Peace, is an early American hymn tune from The Sacred Harp. It is arranged by the American organist and composer Martha Shaffer (b. 1946), a former Assistant Organist at St. Peter’s. This anthem can be heard on the St. Peter’s Choir’s recording Longing for Home (Regent Records).

The organ prelude is offered to the glory of God and to the memory of Judith Hancock, who died on October 10. Judith was considered one of America’s finest organists. For many years, she served alongside her husband, Gerre Hancock, at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, in New York City. Gerre dedicated Air to his wife, Judith.