January 2022
people: connect
Putting the wellbeing of others before ourselves is unconventional but enhances our own lives. Bach’s Fourth Brandenburg Concerto challenges commonly held social assumptions that some people are “better” than others. The young Prince elector of Saxony, Friederick Christian, expressed it well: “Princes exist for their subjects, not subjects for their princes.” Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, BWV 1049 Laßt uns sorgen, laßt uns wachen - ‘Herkules auf dem Scheidewege’ (Let us take care, let us watch over – ‘Hercules at the…
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body: move
Regular exercise is essential for promoting wellbeing. Dancing and hunting were among the favourite forms of exercise of European aristocracy, and hunting was inextricably bound with the horn. Bach’s First Brandenburg Concerto bursts in with whooping horns, like riders back from their tantivies! Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, BWV 1046 Falsche Welt, dir trau ich nicht! (False world, I don't trust you!), BWV 52 Vereinigte Zwietracht der wechselnden Saiten (Concordant discord of alternating strings), BWV 207 Book tickets
Find out more »February 2022
place: take notice
Reminding ourselves to ‘take notice’ strengthens and broadens awareness. In Cantata 35, we are reminded to ‘take notice’ as the alto soloist, stupefied, sings, “I am amazed, for all one sees must cause us astonishment!” We watch in amazement as the harpsichord soloist in Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg Concerto delivers a coruscating cadenza of colossal power and chromatic intensity. Was it designed for Bach to play himself? Who else could play it? Couperin, L’art de toucher le clavecin Brandenburg Concerto No.…
Find out more »March 2022
planet: care
Looking after our world can make a big difference in leaving it a better place for the next generation. As custodian and steward of his life on earth, Bach was committed to passing on his skills to his children, as his forebears did to him, and to leaving a timeless legacy for future generations to enjoy. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, BWV 1051 Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt (Just as the rain and snow fall from heaven), BWV 18…
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