Echori Music
What's next…?
The Bach Project
Mahan Esfahani joins unique professional ensemble Echori Soloists in an inspirational evening of their inaugural series 'The Bach Project'. It is one of the most eagerly anticipated projects of the season and promises to be an exciting experience of the masters of composition; JS Bach, Johann Kuhnau and their contemporaries. Combining seasoned professionals from the biggest names in music, with stunningly talented graduates, this ensemble is a unique group that will flourish under the guidance of the international phenomenon that is harpsichordist and director Mahan Esfahani. His meteoric rise is eagerly followed and The Bach Project promises to be the next chapter in musical experience. The exciting and professional sound that is a result of pure talent and passion is an experience not to be missed.
A Historical Perspective from the Director
When JS Bach joined the institution of Thomaskirche, Leipzig in 1723, he became part of a long line of Cantors famed for their musical brilliance. Notably was the great Johann Kuhan who was credited with inventing the Keyboard Sonata and was Bach’s predecessor at Thomaskirche. It could be argued that Bach, being very aware of this tradition he had continued, reflected his appointment in his music and this is perhaps evident through his writing of the St John Passion. Though we are not sure of the exact date he wrote it, we know that the first performance was in 1724, a year after his appointment at Leipzig, so a tribute to his predecessor would not be out of the question. The opening of No. 1 in the St John Passion, with its semi-quaver string motif and woodwind suspensions underpinned by an almost monotonous bass line is remarkably similar to Johann Kuhnau’s opening of Gott sei mir Gnadig. The entrance of the voices in Gott sei mir Gnadig’s initial homophonic three chords is yet again mirrored in the famous opening of the voices in the St John Passion. Though this may be passed off as mere coincidence and historical stylistic practice, it is still very similar in sound and structure. Bach knew of the great tradition he was continuing, and this is what we are trying to bring across in ‘The Bach Project’; Bach paid tribute, and respected, these masters so we shall as well!
So initially the program will include highlights such as;
Johann Sebastian Bach, Cantata BWV 150
Johann Christoph Bach, Meine Freunden du Bist Schoen
Johann Kuhnau, Gott sei mir Gnadig
Johann Rosenmuller, Sonata
There will be three singers to a part as well as a period orchestra. This combined with the fantastic Artistic Direction of Mahan Esfahani will ensure a particularly epic project. This is a project not to be missed and the initial dates will be;
4th May- London St George’s Hanover Square
7:30pm
12th May- Oxford, Holywell Music Room
8pm
More information will be released about booking very soon and we shall look forward to seeing you there!
Best Wishes,
Sam Weatherstone, Director