LBS in 2012 – a little preview
Updated 12 December 2011
Another successful Bachfest has just been completed and plans are already underway for our 22nd Series in November 2012 entitled “About the St. Matthew Passion”. Bach’s masterpiece, originally first performed at Leipzig on 11 April 1727, was presented with the musicians placed as usual in their Gallery at the rear of the church. Therefore they performed to the backs of the audience seated below. The annual Good Friday Passion performance was a tradition in 17th and 18th century Lutheran Germany when the people would flock to the churches and expect to hear a musical setting of Christ’s Passion and Crucifixion as part of the Meditation and Liturgy for Good Friday. At Leipzig in Bach’s time, the venue for the performances alternated between the main church, the Nikolaikirche, and the more famous Thomaskirche.
Bach’s setting of Chapters 26 and 27 of St. Matthew’s Gospel is a dramatic one, originally performed by his singers and players, but not staged or with any scenes acted out. The St. Matthew doesn’t travel well if it is presented in this way as many a Director who has tried it has found out. Compromise is inevitable and therefore performances will move away from Bach’s original and become a ‘version’ or even a parody. Those who are doubtful or critical of staged presentations are branded as ‘purists’. Is there something amiss then in keeping to the composer’s notes, text and intentions?
At Bachfest 2012 we shall mark the 60th anniversary of the London Bach Society’s groundbreaking première of the St. Matthew Passion in its complete and original German form on 22 March 1952. We plan to explore the origins of the work, its 19th and 20th century revivals and its place in our community today. A recent production of it with the express purpose of bringing classical music to young people would have had greater resonance if the ‘young ambassadors ‘ actually took part in the live performances, a feature that would have also stayed true to the spirit of Bach’s original – the congregation took part in either all or at least some of the chorales. Do we really have the right to tinker with great music in order for it to appeal to a young audience? Let’s hope we find some answers.
We shall of course be presenting other events, including the 4th Bach Singers Prize competition, as part of the Festival .
Much fund-raising has to be done between now and then to ensure Bachfest can be promoted effectively next year and to the highest standards…watch this space. If you would like to become a Donor then do get in touch - 01883 717372
Before Bachfest we have two editions of our Journal to come and a spring meeting of the 18-30 Bach Club…. Watch this space
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