The Complete Organ Works of Bach
Introduction and Recital 3
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.
Benjamin Alard is a French organist, harpsichordist, and clavichordist, recognized as one of today’s leading interpreters of Bach. As titular organist at Saint-Louis-en-l’Île in Paris and a winner of international competitions, he is undertaking a monumental recording project: the complete keyboard works of J. S. Bach, from which he presents three landmark works here.
Benjamin Alard, organ (France)
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
The Six Schübler Chorales, BWV 645–650:
Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying
Where Shall I Flee?
He Who Lets Himself Be Guided by the Good Lord
My Soul Magnifies the Lord
Ah, Stay with Us, Lord Jesus Christ
You Now Come Down from Heaven, O Jesus
Concerto in D Minor, BWV 596*
Allegro
Grave
Fuga
Largo e spiccato
Excerpts from Part III of the Clavier-Übung:
Prelude in E-flat Major, BWV 552
Six Chorales
- Kyrie, God the Father in Eternity, BWV 669
- Christ, Comforter of the World, BWV 670
- Kyrie, God the Holy Spirit, BWV 671
- Kyrie, God the Father in Eternity, BWV 672
- Christ, Comforter of the World, BWV 673
- Kyrie, God the Holy Spirit, BWV 674
Fugue in E-flat Major, BWV 552
* after the Concerto for Two Violins, Cello and Strings, Op. 3 (L’estro armonico), No 11, by Antonio Vivaldi