Bringing Music to the Community for over a Century

J S Bach: Mass in B Minor

Saturday 21 June 2008, 7.30 pm
Bristol Cathedral

Let's Celebrate!

Music for Awhile
Adrian Partington – Conductor

Rebecca Rudge – Soprano
Sebastian Field – Countertenor
Mark Padmore – Tenor
Adrian Powter – Bass

Bach was unquestionably the greatest composer before Mozart, and arguably the greatest ever. Bristol Choral Society performs one of Bach’s most celebrated choral works – the Mass in 
B Minor – in the glorious setting 
of Bristol Cathedral.

The origins of this magnificent choral work are relatively unknown and it is possible that Bach wrote the Mass as a compendium to show off his skill as a choral composer rather than for any specific service or occasion. Whatever its origins or purpose, the Mass remains a fine example of Bach’s skill and empathy when composing a choral work which is both profound and impassioned.

The first chorus for example, is a stately fugue establishing a sense of solid and unshakable faith with which the work is imbued. At other key sections of the mass however, the music is less solemn with the gloriously animated Sanctus which is resplendent with energy and rhythms suggestive of dance rather than worship.

The Choral Society is once again joined by the esteemed Baroque ensemble, Music for Awhile, and we are delighted to have Mark Padmore as one of our soloists.