Repertoire
El So Original
Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B minor, BWV 232 (c. 1747-49) 106’
Artists
Le Concert Des Nations
La Capella Reial de Catalunya
Hana Blažíková, soprano
Sophie Harmsen, mezzosoprano
Martin Platz, tenor
Raffaele Pe, countertenor
Thomas Stimmel, bass
Manfredo Kraemer, concertino
Lluís Vilamajó, preparation of the vocal ensemble
Jordi Savall, conductor
Program
Three of the most important works written under the rules of Western music are inspired by collections of varied and scattered fragments: the first of these is Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine, the most famous is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and the most successful is Bach’s Mass in B minor.
PROGRAM In addition, Bach’s Mass lays the foundations for the tradition of great modern Masses, leaving behind the visions of Franco-Flemish and Italian polyphonists, and paving the way and providing a model for Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and even Bruckner. It is clearly a mature work that accompanied the Thomaskantor from Leipzig for many years before he completed it: almost fifteen years elapsed between composing the Kyrie and the Glory – a kind of missa brevis – in 1733 until all parts had been written. A true milestone of Bach’s art where the echo of his cantatas and previous works can be recognised and enjoyed in new atmospheres and renewed affections.
