SUMMARY

After hearing Bach's motet Singet dem Herrn for the first time in Leipzig in 1789, Mozart exclaimed, "Now there is something from which one can learn!”

J.S. Bach’s vocal motets represent the highest art of vocal writing achieved in the Baroque period and continue to have deep spiritual and emotional resonance. The only vocal works of Bach that remained in constant performance until the Bach revival of the early 19th century, the motet’s themes of comfort, resurrection, and joy reflect their use in funerals and celebrations.

Bach Akademie Australia collaborates with Australia’s premier vocal ensemble The Song Company to present Bach’s seven surviving motets alongside two works of contemporary genius, Australian composer Sandra Milliken’s Herr Jesus Christus and O Radiant Dawn by James MacMillan.

Bach Akademie Australia

The Song Company

Iris Korfker, guest alto

Madeleine Easton, Artistic Director

PROGRAM

Johann Sebastian Bach Motets

Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (Praise the Lord, all ye heathen), BWV230

Komm, Jesu, komm (Come, Jesus, come), BWV 229

Ich lasse dich nicht (I will not let you go), BWV 1164

Der Geist hilf unser Schwachheit auf (The Spirit gives aid to our weakness), BWV 226

Fürchte dich nicht, ich bin bei dir (Do not fear, I am with you), BWV 228

Jesu, Meine Freude (Jesus, my joy), BWV 227

Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing unto the Lord a new song), BWV 225

Sandra Milliken Herr Jesus Christus (Lord Jesus Christ)

James MacMillan O Radiant Dawn