Instrumental Musings: Bach the violinist, cellist, and singer

Much like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Bach represents a summit of human achievement. Throughout his life the organ was the instrument that proved an indispensable musical companion. From his earliest years to his deathbed, there was hardly a time in Bach's life when he was not obliged to play the organ and compose for it. Because of this, the organ works form a centerpiece of his creative evolution and existence. Bach's organ works continue to surprise and astonish three hundred years later. They are the organist's supreme challenge. They are the listener's supreme delight. They are the perfect marriage of humble purpose and high genius. In this series, each performance highlights musical and personal themes throughout Bach's life. This thematic arrangement takes listeners on an intimate journey through these pieces.

Johann Sebastian Bach: The Organ Works

Instrumental Musings

Piece d’Orgue in G major, BWV 572

Aria in F major (after François Couperin), BWV 587

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis 
Meine Seele erhebet den Herren, BWV 648 (My soul doth magnify the Lord)
Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf, BWV 617 (Lord God, now open wide heaven)

Concerto in C major (after Johann Earnst), BWV 595
Trio in G major (after Georg Philip Telemann), BWV 586

Concerto in G major (after Johann Earnst), BWV 592
[Without Tempo marking-Allegro]

Grave

Presto

Trio Sonata in E minor, BWV 528

Adagio – Vivace

Andante

Un poco allegro

Prelude and Fugue in A major, BWV 536 

Ach bleib’ bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 649 (Ah, stay with us, Lord Jesus Christ)
Kommst du nun, Jesu, von Himmel herunter auf Erden, BWV 650 
(Are you coming, Lord Jesus, from heaven down to earth?)

Public parking is available on a first-come basis for $5 in the Bryan Center Parking Garage; Duke parking permit holders may park for free. Vehicles with an ADA pass may park in front of the Chapel.