The breadth of styles in CBS programmes has long delighted audiences. Particularly dear to the hearts of members are the major works with orchestra that we perform.
None approaches Bach’s Mass in b minor in terms of scope, ambition and impact.
Essentially, Bach wrote this work as a compendium of his many compositional styles. Its immense scope means it was unlikely that he thought of it as a work that would be sung as part of a service. Rather, it sums up Bach’s varied approaches to writing music.
Some movements are based on existing music, indeed, sometimes choruses are revisions of works that were originally for instruments alone. Threaded through the music is musical symbolism relating to the theology of the texts of the Mass that is only now being fully uncovered by musicologists.
The choir divides into up to eight parts, the trumpets create a blaze of glorious sound, while intimate movements like the ‘Benedictus’ reduce the music to essentially a flute and solo tenor with spare accompaniment.
Always rhythmically alive, with many movements based on Baroque dances, Bach’s b minor mass is one of the greatest yet most rewarding challenges for any choir. It is one which, successfully conquered, provides an audience with a uniquely uplifting experience.
Chester Bach Singers will be joined for this performance by the 18th Century Sinfonia – a versatile ensemble of specialist period instrumentalists (www.18thcentury.co.uk)
Since their foundation in 2001 they have accompanied numerous choral societies throughout the UK in performances of Handel Oratorios, Mozart Requiem, Bach b minor Mass, Magnificat, St John and St Matthew Passions etc.
On Good Friday, 18th April 2025, the 18th Century Sinfonia will be performing the new edition of Handel’s Brockes Passion in Nottingham Parish Church.
The principal players of the 18th Century Sinfonia also meet to comprise the 18th Century Concert Orchestra, whose performances combine period instruments, readings, candlelight and sumptuous 18th century costume in uniquely atmospheric recreations of 18th century musical life.
