Having just returned from an exciting and rewarding research trip to Brazil, Jeffrey writes in the programme for our Bach: A Beautiful Mind (Thu 8 Mar, 7.30pm) concert this week:
“It’s good to come back to Bach… Villa-Lobos, Brazil’s most famous and influential composer, was not only inspired by the music of the indigenous tribes of his homeland, but he also played the cello and paid tribute to Bach in his collection of pieces Bachianas Brasileiras. No 1 was written for an orchestra of cellos! Although a serious and cerebral composer his music is full of joy. No-one writes happy music like Bach. Fugues fly, dances dance with an elegant swing. Despite his many moans he was clearly at heart a content man, happy with his ability and how he should use it. He signed his music ‘SDG’ (Soli Deo Gloria – ‘to the glory of God alone’). He had total belief. His motets are amongst his finest works and are unique in the repertoire. What a programme this is for us all to relish!”
Our concert of Bach’s stunning motets and iconic cello suites (played by Andrew Skidmore) at Town Hall on Thursday launches the Bach: A Beautiful Mind festival. Also part of the Birmingham International Concert Season, tickets are selling well. To get tickets, call 0121 780 3333 or book online.
We are delighted to be giving this concert at Cadogan Hall, London too (Thu 19 Apr, 7.30pm). Call 020 7730 4500 or book online.
On Maundy Thursday, we give Bach’s St John Passion at Symphony Hall (Thu 5 Apr, 7.30pm). Another great work of art, the St John Passion is the shorter, more dramatic of Bach’s two Passion settings. It is also a very personal, meditative piece in the which the last days of Christ are told with great poignancy, aided by the evocative sounds of the period instruments. For tickets call 0121 780 3333 or book online.