Master Craftsman: The height of genius

Sunday, November 20, 2016
5:00 pm
Master Craftsman: The height of genius
Location: Duke Chapel
Christopher Jacobson

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.


Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 537

O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde groß, BWV 622 (O man, bewail thy grievous sin)

Diverse Chorale Partita: Sei gegrüßet, Jesu gütig, BWV 768 (Hail to thee, kind Jesus)

Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 690 (He who allows God to rule him)
Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 647
Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten, BWV 691

In dich hab’ ich gehoffet, BWV 712 (In Him have I trusted)

Little Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 555
Prelude and Fugue in E minor (“The Wedge”), BWV 548

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