Bach B Minor Mass: “Glorious music”
Charles Naylor, left, and Father Edmund Little prepare for the performance. Photo: Neil Wilson.
A recorded performance of JS Bach’s wonderful Mass in B Minor will be presented in Takaka on Sunday 29 November. The performance is in the Catholic Church at 2pm.
This mass is considered by many music lovers and musicologists to be the greatest-ever work by any composer. Bach found the words of the Latin mass to be an ideal vehicle for some of his finest music. It was one of Bach’s last compositions and he never heard it performed but the whole magnificent edifice had already been created in his mind.
First-time listeners will be greatly assisted by the introductions to the different parts of the mass which Father Edmund Little has kindly offered to provide. An English translation of the Latin text will also be provided. This will help people understand the work and appreciate how carefully and imaginatively Bach enriched and illuminated the text with his music.
The text deals with the drama of the Christian story in the context of the church’s worship. It begins with a strong cry for help and a plea for mercy. The “Gloria” begins with an exultant shout from the whole chorus and orchestra. Soprano, alto, tenor and bass solos and duets with instrumental obligatos feature throughout the work.
“Bach had a genius for finding tunes which express the moods of the words,” said local Bach-hound Charles Naylor. “Really there are not enough superlatives to do justice to this moving, majestic and glorious music.”
