BACH, VIRTUOSO ORGANIST
Organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach, including the Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 541
Johann Sebastian Bach’s virtuosity earned him the admiration of all of Germany. The speed of his fingers and feet, the stillness of his body, and the infallibility of his playing astonished all eyewitnesses.
Thus, Johann Adolf Scheibe noted: “His dexterity is astonishing, and one can hardly understand how his fingers are able to cross and separate in such a strange and rapid manner, making such large leaps.”
Johann Abraham Birnbaum praised his “very particular skill, even in the fastest passages, to play every note distinctly and with constant evenness, the extraordinary mastery with which he performs the most difficult as well as the easiest pieces with the same swiftness and precision…”
PROGRAM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Concerto in A minor, BWV 593 after Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr
BWV 662 – for two manuals and pedal / canto fermo in the soprano
BWV 663 – for two manuals and pedal / canto fermo in the tenor
BWV 664 – Trio for two manuals and pedal
Vater unser im Himmelreich, Clavierübung III, BWV 682 – for two manuals and pedal / canto fermo in canon
Two Duettos from Clavierübung III
BWV 802 in E minor
BWV 804 in G major
Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 541
Joseph Ripka, organ (USA), concert performer and winner of first prize in three international competitions
Vincent Boucher, host
General admission: $15
VIP access to the organ loft: $100, including a vin d’honneur with the artist and a demonstration of the instrument after the recital
Tickets on sale at festivalbachmontreal.com or at 514 843-3414
Large-screen projection
Basilica, 3:30 p.m.
