AMERICAN CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA Presents J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor Tonight

Tonight, November 15 at 7:30PM at Alice Tully Hall, the American Classical Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Thomas Crawford, presents J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor, The ACO's first ever performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's towering masterpiece, featuring world-renowned soloists Christine Brandes, soprano; Kate Maroney, mezzo-soprano; David Daniels, countertenor; Charles Blandy, tenor; Dashon Burton, bass; and the American Classical Orchestra Chorus.

Performances of Bach's B Minor Mass are always eagerly anticipated by concertgoers because this masterpiece is unique in music history, and because it serves as a life-marker for performers and listeners alike. Written at the height of his powers, Bach revisited music that he had previously composed, re-working and adding new material to create a musical autobiography. He intended his Mass to reflect the totality of his musical ideas and to resonate for future generations. Since its completion in 1749, the B Minor Mass has continued to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

Music Director Thomas Crawford has said of this first-ever ACO performance:

"From the anguishing opening cry of the 'Kyrie' to the panegyric shouting of 'Hosanna', the Mass surveys the human soul from sorrow to ecstacy. This piece shows one of the greatest composers of all time writing at the height of his craft. The solo music for flute, oboe d'amore, violin, trumpet, and voice represents the apex of Bach's evolution as a master of counterpoint. The choral writing is without equal.

Bach assembled the portions of the Mass over some twenty years, after a lifetime of unprecedented musical genius. He was the greatest composer of the 18th century and a master of the technique called counterpoint. The Mass is arguably his crowning achievement in this genre, a stunning example of style and idea. I would compare experiencing the Mass to walking into the Chartres Cathedral. A young person would be overwhelmed by its splendor, but to experience it as a veteran architect or builder.. that perspective comes with age.

There are many compelling reasons to use original instruments, but possibly the most appealing is the more openly transparent textures they provide. In the case of Bach's B Minor Mass, we have some of the densest, most complex textures ever written, so I think it is particularly valuable to use period instruments."

The concert will be preceded by a Pre-Concert Lecture at 6:30PM by Maestro Thomas Crawford

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets can be purchased on www.aconyc.org, lincolncenter.org or by calling Center Charge (212-721-6500) or by calling the Alice Tully Hall Box Office (212-671-4050) or in person at the Alice Tully Hall Box Office.

$85 Prime 1, $60 Prime 2, $45 Standard 1, $25 Standard 2 and $15 Student (only at the Alice Tully Hall Box Office with proper student ID).

PROGRAM

J.S.BACH: MASS IN B MINOR

WEBSITE

www.aconyc.org