The Complete Organ Works of Bach
Introduction and Recital 1
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Festival International Bach Montréal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal presents the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, presented in an exceptional series of 16 concerts over four years. This musical journey will bring together some of the greatest interpreters of Bach’s organ works, hailing from eight countries. Each recital will feature a selection of works representative of the composer’s diverse styles and periods, enhanced by the majestic sound of the Oratory’s grand Rudolf von Beckerath organ. To make this experience accessible to as many people as possible, an all-inclusive ticket price of $20 will be offered for the entire duration of the Complete Works series, through 2029.
To kick off this four-year series of 16 concerts, we welcome Christian Schmitt, one of the most prominent concert organists of his generation. A winner of ten national and international competitions, he performs in the world’s leading concert halls and at major festivals. His discography includes more than 35 recordings. He is a lecturer at the Internationale Bach Akademie in Stuttgart and serves as technical advisor for the organ at the Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker.
Christian Schmitt, organ (Germany)
Vincent Boucher, host
General admission: $20
VIP access to the organ loft: $100, including a vin d’honneur with the artist
Tickets on sale at festivalbachmontreal.com or at 514 843-3414
Large-screen projection
Basilica, 3:30 p.m.
PROGRAM
Fantasy in C Minor, BWV 562
Seven Chorales from the Little Organ Book – for the Season of Pentecost:
Come, God, Creator, Holy Spirit, BWV 631
Lord Jesus Christ, Turn to Us, BWV 632
Beloved Jesus, We Are Here, BWV 633–634
These Are the Holy Ten Commandments, BWV 635
Our Father in Heaven, BWV 636
Through Adam’s Fall, BWV 637
Prelude and Fugue in F Minor, BWV 534
In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, BWV 738
Trio Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, BWV 527
Andante
Adagio e dolce
Vivace
Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540