Unlocking the Genius of Bach: A Choral Celebration

Conductor Daniel Price, the founder of ChoralSong, has a deep reverence for the legendary German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He likens Bach's contributions to music to the impact of Shakespeare's writing or Michelangelo's art, noting that the more one delves into Bach's works, the more layers of beauty and complexity are revealed. This weekend, ChoralSong will present "Bachfest!", a concert showcasing the diverse and captivating compositions of the Baroque master.

Elevating the Timeless Brilliance of Bach

Exploring the Multifaceted Genius of Bach

Daniel Price, the visionary behind ChoralSong, believes that if any composer deserves a dedicated concert, it is the incomparable Johann Sebastian Bach. "Everything he wrote ended up being a model of how that form should be used," Price remarked. "He was able to do it in a way where everything was balanced and worked together to make a fabulous piece." From the intricate motets to the soaring cantatas, Bach's compositions are a testament to his unparalleled mastery of musical form and expression.The upcoming "Bachfest!" concert will delve into the breadth of Bach's repertoire, showcasing the composer's ability to seamlessly transition between the complex and the sublime. The program will feature a range of works, including the motet "Lobet den Herrn," the cantata "Wachet Auf," and movements from the "Magnificat," "Ein Feste Burg," and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." This carefully curated selection aims to highlight the different facets of Bach's genius, from the grandeur of his larger-scale compositions to the captivating beauty of his intimate melodies.

Bringing Bach's Music to Life

For the ChoralSong choir and orchestra, the opportunity to perform Bach's works is a profound privilege. "If you're going to dedicate an entire concert to one composer, it needs to be someone like Bach," Price emphasized. The ensemble is committed to honoring the composer's vision by presenting the music as it would have been experienced in Bach's time, with an orchestra and vocal forces that closely mirror the resources available to the composer.The concert will feature a talented lineup of guest soloists, including baritone Jamal Sarikoki, soprano Deborah Anderson, and tenor David Price. These accomplished artists will lend their voices to bring Bach's masterpieces to life, ensuring that the audience can fully immerse themselves in the composer's timeless genius.

Connecting with Bach's Legacy

Whether one is a seasoned Bach aficionado or a newcomer to his music, the "Bachfest!" concert promises to be a transformative experience. Price has carefully curated the program to cater to both ends of the spectrum, ensuring that the audience can deepen their appreciation for Bach's work."They will be able to hear some works done by him in a way that it would have been done in Bach's time, with an orchestra that Bach would have used, and they will be able to truly appreciate Bach," Price said. By recreating the historical context and performance practices of Bach's era, the ChoralSong ensemble aims to bridge the gap between the composer's time and the present, allowing the audience to connect with the enduring power of his music.As Colorado Springs continues to grow and evolve, the ChoralSong choir is dedicated to providing more artistic opportunities for the community. The "Bachfest!" concert is a testament to their commitment to showcasing the highest caliber of music, with the goal of inspiring and captivating audiences through the timeless brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach.