In 1723 Bach was appointed musical director of St. Thomas’s Church in Leipzig, a position which required him to compose a new cantata for each Sunday and for special feast days. Over 250 cantatas were written during his time in Leipzig such as the famous ‘Wachet auf’ (‘Sleepers Wake’) and ‘Herz and Mund’, which includes the much loved music ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’.
The St. Matthew Passion, St. John Passion, B minor Mass and the many organ works which are based on Lutheran Chorales are further testament to a dedication to music within the service of the church that is unequalled by any other composer.
Together with a selection of his most celebrated secular music (Brandenberg Concertos, Goldberg Variations, unaccompanied cello sonatas) we will discover why Wagner regarded Bach as ‘the most stupendous miracle in all music’.
Who’s the course for? Anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge/appreciation of the music. No technical knowledge is required.
Commencing: 25th April 2017 ( 7 weeks: 25/4, 2/5, 9/5, 16/5, 23/5, 6/6, 13/6). Please note that there is no lecture on Tuesday 30th May. -
Cost: £49 – cheques payable to Steven Robinson, 40 Beresford Road, Stretford, Mancehster, M32 0PY. Please indicate whether you wish to attend in the morning (10.30-12.30) or the afternoon (2-4).
In addition to the seven lectures, there will be an organised trip to hear works discussed in the course (see below). Please note that this is not included in the £49 course cost.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Bach’s life and works – BBC FILM from ‘Great Composers’ series. The importance of the Lutheran chorale in Bach’s works.
2. Cantatas – special study of Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140.
3. Brandenburg concertos
CONCERT: Thursday 11th May at 7.30. Bridgewater Hall. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment play all 6 of Bach’s Brandenburg concertos.
4. St. Matthew Passion
5. Keyboard works (including Goldberg Variations). Sonatas for unaccompanied cello.
6. St. John Passion
7. B minor Mass. Bach/Scheibe controversy.