Bach Collegium Japan: Bach's Brandenburg Concertos
About the event
The Bach Collegium Japan ranks among the top Bach interpreters on authentic instruments. Tonight, under the inspiring direction of Masato Suzuki, the musicians perform four of the Brandenburg Concertos, a brilliant showcase of Bach's greatness. From the Japanese ensemble, you can count on fresh, playful, and spirited performances. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos
In 1721, Bach's employer, Prince Leopold von Anhalt-Köthen, married a Calvinist princess. A different cultural wind began to blow at court. Bach sought a new job and sent six concertos to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg, as an open application. The Margrave did not reply and did not pay, and we do not know for certain whether he ever had the concertos performed. This did not matter to Bach; he became cantor of the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig and remained so until his death. The six Brandenburg Concertos are a brilliant showcase of Bach's greatness. The works were lost in Brandenburg and were not rediscovered until a hundred years later. Tonight you will hear the First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth Brandenburg Concertos.
Masato Suzuki and the Bach Collegium Japan
Masato Suzuki conducts the Bach Collegium Japan tonight. This orchestra, founded by his father, Masaaki Suzuki, has been under his son's inspiring leadership for several years now. For Masato, performing at the Concertgebouw is a special experience. He says: 'Being able to perform at The Concertgebouw, the flagship concert hall of the country where I was born and educated, is truly an extraordinary and irreplaceable experience for me. I look forward to sharing these wonderful concertos with everyone who joins us for this special occasion.' Bach's music forms the soul of the Japanese ensemble, which ranks among the top Bach interpreters on authentic instruments. Expect fresh, playful, and spirited performances in the Brandenburg Concertos.
