Miracles: Music for Easter

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.

Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 545
Little Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 553

Nun freut euch, liebe Christian g’mein, BWV 734 (Now rejoice, dear Christians, all)

Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 657 (Now thank we all our God)

Christ ist erstanden, BWV 627 (Christ is risen)

Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666 (Jesus Christ, our Savior)
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 (Deck thyself, thy soul with gladness)
Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665

Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543

Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 626 (Jesus Christ, our Savior)
Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag, BWV 629 (The day of splendor has come)
Heut’ triumphieret Gottes Sohn, BWV 630 (Today the Son of God triumphs)
Erstanden ist der heil’ge Christ, BWV 628 (The Holy Christ is risen)

Christ lag in Totesbanden, BWV 625 (Christ lay in death’s stronghold)
Fantasia on Christ lag in Totesbanden, BWV 695
Christ lag in Totesbanden, BWV 718

Little Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 559
Fantasie and Fugue in A minor, BWV 561