The Music: BWV 138 is often described as one of Bach’s more experimental and modern cantatas. The text draws upon the conflicting feelings of anxiety for the unknown, the need to place faithful trust in God and the alternate reality of heaven. The resolution of this is heard at the close of the cantata’s only aria.
The Science: In today's talk we consider how our relationship with reality and the unknown has been challenged during lockdown; Dr Sylvia Pan, Assistant Professor of Virtual Reality at Goldsmith reveals the immersive power of VR and explains how our brains process virtual worlds.