Bach still strikes at the heart
As if to demonstrate its versatility, Leeds Festival Chorus has sung in Latin deep underground in a Polish salt mine, in a Classical Spectacular in the Leeds Arena and as part of Opera in the Park. Last Christmas it gave a sell-out concert of popular favourites with Opera North’s orchestra. Its next offering in Leeds Town Hall, with the acclaimed English Chamber Orchestra, is very different. It is one of the most dramatic and emotional sacred pieces ever written by JS Bach – his St John Passion.
Christian or not, audiences today can surely not be insensitive to Bach’s genius, as apparent today as it was in eighteenth century Leipzig. He still inspires many other musicians, particularly jazz composers, and is often employed to create atmosphere by film-makers. His music still strikes at the heart.
The St John Passion has a powerful sense of urgency, but is also intimate, connecting with deep human feelings. The singers and the Orchestra will avoid the temptation to go over the top with the ‘holy’ aspect, and will focus on the dramatic storytelling and the exquisite lyricism.
The Chorus will become a ferocious crowd calling for Christ’s Crucifixion but will also deliver the sublime chorales. Frequently used to complete a scene, these are four-part harmonisations of simple melodies which often sound familiar. In Bach’s time a congregation would be expected to join in.