Johann Sebastian Bach is a name that is synonymous with classical music. His works are beloved by music lovers worldwide, and his legacy as a composer and musician is unrivalled. This year marks the 300th anniversary of Bach’s appointment as Kantor of the Thomaskirche (St Thomas Church) in Leipzig. The city is planning a series of events to celebrate this occasion.
Bach’s Life and Works in Leipzig
Bach spent 27 years in Leipzig, where he held the position of Kantor of the Thomaskirche and directed the city’s music program. During this time, Bach composed many of his most famous works, including St John Passion, St Matthew Passion, the Goldberg Variations, and the Mass in B minor.
Melbourne Bach Choir’s Visit To Leipzig
In 2017, the Melbourne Bach Choir visited Leipzig as part of their European tour, which also included Bach’s birthplace, Eisenach. The choir performed at St Michael’s church in Leipzig and visited the Nikolai church, whose music was one of Bach’s responsibilities during his time in Leipzig. We were able to hear a service and musical performance in the Thomaskirche, sitting in the pews below the musicians’ balcony, as congregations did in Bach’s day.
The legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach continues to inspire and delight classical music lovers all over the world. His music has endured for centuries, and his influence on the development of classical music cannot be overstated. The celebrations planned in Leipzig this year are a fitting tribute to this great composer and a testament to the enduring power of his music.
Easter 2023 Performance of St John Passion
And speaking of Bach’s enduring legacy, the Melbourne Bach Choir will perform his St John Passion on April 7, 2023, at the Melbourne Recital Centre exactly 299 years after the first performance of this work on Good Friday 7th April 1724 at Nikolaikirche.
This Easter performance will surely be a highlight of the Melbourne classical music calendar and an excellent opportunity to experience one of Bach’s most beloved works performed by a world-class choir. So be sure to mark your calendars and join the Melbourne Bach Choir in celebrating the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach.
