Sunday, January 22, 2017
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.
Toccata and Fugue in F major, BWV 540
Little Prelude and Fugue in F major, BWV 556
Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh’ darein, BWV 741
(Ah, God, from heaven, look therein and be merciful)
Christum, wir sollen loben schon, BWV 696 (We should indeed praise Christ)
Christum, wir sollen loben schon, BWV 611
Jesu meine freude, BWV 610 (Jesus priceless treasure)
Wir Christenleut’, BWV 710 (We Christians)
Wir Christenleut’, BWV 612
Trio Sonata in E-flat major, BWV 525
[Without tempo marking–Allegro]
Adagio
Allegro
In dir ist freude, BWV 615 (In thee is gladness)
Das alte Jahr vergangen ist, BWV 614 (The old year is past)
Helft mir Gottes Güte preisen, BWV 613 (Help me to praise my Savior’s goodness)
Toccata and Fugue in D minor (“Dorian”), BWV 538