Throughout his extended Leipzig career, J. S. Bach had a rather uneasy relationship with civic and church authorities. At his election as Cantor of St. Thomas Church in 1723, Bach was cautioned to make compositions that were not theatrical. “In

In his Suite 1922, Paul Hindemith had not only referenced in popular music genres; he also paid homage to the gestures and aesthetic of the high Baroque. Like many composers of the time, Hindemith was looking for greater objectivity and

Chorus: “Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen” John Eliot Gardiner From Bach Cantatas Gardiner (2013) Released by Harmonia Mundi Bach: Chorus – “Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen”Another masterpiece by John Eliot Gardiner. Official Website

Composed in January and February 1920, Paul Hindemith’s third string quartet was described as “brimming with youthful energy…a thrilling, musical event, real ‘new’ music. Here everything is comprehensible and concrete.” First performed at the Donaueschingen Chamber Music Performances in 1921,

We would be entirely wrong to assume that musical duels were in the exclusive domain of the 19th Century. Far from it, throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries, musicians busily battled in musical contests that measured technical facility and improvisational

Happy New Year to all! What better way to begin the New Year than listening to Bach in a concert you did not expect to be in? On the evening of the 31 December, having wondered from café to café

J.S. Bach Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8 (1724) A recent poll of Classical music buyers by the BPI (The British Recorded Music Industry) returned an interesting answer: that the favourite composer of an overwhelming majority was Johann

Fuga 11 BWV 880 Sébatien Guillot, harpsichord From Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier – Teil II (2011) Released by Saphir Productions Bach: Fuga 11 BWV 880 First recording of The London autograph score. Official website