Bach’s Library

Andrew Megill, conductor
Molly Quinn, soprano
Dann Coakwell, tenor
David Newman, bass
Luthien Brackett, alto
Festival Chorale
Festival Orchestra
VBA

JS Bach had an extensive personal library, which provides a unique insight into what music he admired most. Two of the composers whose works he collected were Antonio Vivaldi and Jan Dismas Zelenka. While Bach never met Vivaldi in person, he clearly admired his works; he transcribed and arranged many of the Italian musician’s concertos for his own performances. Zelenka, on the other hand, was a personal friend of Bach; both had works by the other in their library and performed each others’ works. Rounding out the concert is a cantata by Caroline Shaw, the youngest composer ever to win the Pulitzer Prize, and a friend to many in our Chorale and Orchestra. To the Hands is inspired by the music of Buxtehude, another of Bach’s contemporaries and one who, like Vivaldi and Zelenka, was an important influence on the great master. Join us for a concert exploring some of the music Bach loved most.

Program:

Missa *** jubilo Sanctus | TRADITIONAL PLAINCHANT

Kyrie, RV 587 (10 minutes) | ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741)

Crucifixus (3 minutes) | ANTONIO LOTTI (1667-1740)

To the Hands (19 minutes) | CAROLINE SHAW (1982-)

I. Prelude

II. in medio / in the midst

III. Her beacon-hand beckons

IV. ever ever ever

V. Litany of the Displaced

VI. i will hold you

Missa Dei Filii, ZWV 20 (35 minutes) | JAN DISMAS ZELENKA (1679-1745)

Gloria

Qui tollis

Qui sedes

Quoniam

*** Sancto Spiritu

Missa *** jubilo Sanctus | TRADITIONAL PLAINCHANT

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