Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri | Manhattan

As the Lenten season begins, Tenet offers the devastatingly beautiful Membra Jesu Nostri of Dietrich Buxtehude. Often identified by singers as a “desert island piece,” this cycle of seven cantatas postulates the crucifixion of Jesus through observation of seven body parts: the feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart, and face. While the piece is typically associated with the Christian celebration of Lent, we offer this performance as a meditation on the global suffering which continues to challenge our humanity.