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Is Bach still relevant today?
Probably without even realizing it, we hear Bach's music almost every
day. The Menuet in G he wrote for his wife Anna Magdalena to
practice the harpsichord is programmed onto mobile phones and fridge magnets;
the Air on a G String, from Suite No. 3,
is used in movies such as Devil's Advocate, Moll
Flanders, One Night Stand, Seven, and The Spy Who Loved Me;
his Violin Concerto in A-minor appears
in the movies Portrait of a Lady and Primal
Fear; the Aria, from The Goldberg Variations in The English
Patient, Silence of the Lambs, Before Sunrise, Maurice...; the
list goes on.
How is it though that this most beloved composer, who never travelled
outside Germany his entire life, who only had a few of his compositions
ever published could produce music which not only turned the course
of Western music but still moves us deeply today? Maybe the
sheer wealth and depth he experienced of human experience: deep
suffering (10 of his 20 children died) and joy lived
side by side Bach's world ... combined with his sublime intellect
(and hard work!).
In Flashbach! we will delve into 3 major aspects
of what made the man Johann Sebastian Bach. Starting with his role
of teacher and father, then moving on to his qualities as ground-breaking
musical innovator. Next shedding light on his personal and spiritual life
-- the way in which he confronted death through music, then coming
a full circle back to his role as teacher of generations and culminator
of styles.
Programme
Please click on the Nerd to read up on the background....
| Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 846,
from the Well Tempered Clavier, Book I
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solo harpsichord
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The first in his famous collection of didactic pieces.
Many people who have studied piano will recognise
this piece, but how does it sound on the instrument
Bach actually wrote it for - the harpsichord?
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5 |
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Sonata no. 6 in G, BWV 1019,
for obbligato harpsichord and violin
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harpsichord and violin
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A new genre of music whereby the harpsichord is a equal
partner to the 'solo instrument' in this case the violin.
Bach had a vision that the harpsichord could be
much more than purely accompanimental ...
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20 |
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Sonata no. 1 in G, BWV 1027,
for obbligato harpsichord and viola da gamba
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harpsichord and viola da gamba
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Another trio written for just 2 instruments. One
of the last major compositions for this wonderful, archaic
instrument. Bach adapted it from the original for two flutes
with enormous sensitivity and skill.
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15 |
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Ciaccona, from Partita No. 2, BWV 1004 in d
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Solo violin
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One of the towering achievements of the baroque age,
and all time; possibly a written as a memento to his first wife.
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15 |
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Sonata in G for violin and continuo, BWV 1021
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violin, harpsichord, viola da gamba
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The harpsichord and viola da gamba accompany the violin in this
rare sonata by Bach. The slow movements the violin are ravishingly
beautiful. Bach gave his best pupils the unenviable task of re-writing
the first movement!
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10 |
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Realm of Music in collaboration with Blue Strawberry catering
and the
Ironmongers' Hall present:
FlashBach!
Tuesday 25th of November 2003
Ironmongers' Hall, Shaftesbury Place, Barbican, London EC2Y
8AA
Welcoming drinks and canapés from 6:45pm
Concert: 7.30 - 8. 45pm
Post concert reception with pudding and dessert wine/coffee.
£37.50
An exclusive evening of beautiful baroque music,
accompanied by fine wine and food in one of London's hidden
architectural gems, the Ironmongers' Hall, in the city of London.
The evening will begin with wine and canapes served in the Drawing
Room, which features the finest existing William Morris wall hangings.
You and your guests will then be ushered to the magnificent Great Hall,
to enjoy an hour of famous music by J.S. Bach, performed on original
18th-century instruments, in one of the best acoustics in London.
During the concert, you can sit back with a glass of wine and let the
musicians guide you through the music, with brief and friendly
introductions to the pieces.
Every person who enters the Realm of Music also receives a 'listening
pack' specifically tailored to the event. A concept unique to Realm of
Music, this package of colourful cards presented in an attractive
graphical format, can help you enjoy the music even more by showing
you what to listen out for.
The post-concert reception presents an ideal setting for networking and
socializing as well as a great chance to meet up with the musicians and
other people involved in creating this unique event.
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