Chapter 44

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Expecting high fives as he left the stage, or at least handshakes and hugs, the Dalai Lama was sorely disappointed.

"You promised them a cantata!" Frank Kelley hissed. Gesturing to the trees, he said, "How can we perform a cantata? Do you see an organ around here?"

"This is a disaster," Shirley said. 

Minutes passed. The crowd was beginning to get restive.

Then a dignified figure approached the mike. He spoke in a thoughtful voice.

"Hi, I'm Craig Smith, Artistic Director of Emmanuel Music. I'd like anyone who has brought an instrument to come up to the stage, especially winds and brass.

"In a few minutes, I'll conduct BWV 60/36, Es ist niemals genug. It's a really lovely, and somewhat neglected, piece. It has the odd distinction of being the only Bach cantata that does not require an organ."


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