By André Duvall
Johann Sebastian Bach’s legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time is firmly rooted in both the depth and the breadth of his work and musical influence. His ability to synthesize aspects of multifarious musical styles across Europe – with incredible mastery and imaginative development of musical counterpoint, harmony, and musical ideas – has continued to inspire and teach composers and musicians across centuries of changing styles and musical tastes. The vast treasure of documented examples of his mastery more than suffices to justify his widespread veneration, yet there are other aspects of Bach’s compositional mind and soul that further demonstrate the genius of this incredible artist.
Six suites for unaccompanied cello
By André Duvall
On Sunday afternoon, February 1, I had the pleasure of hearing all six of Johann Sebastian Bach’s suites for unaccompanied cello performed live in succession. Brazilian native Leonardo Altino, an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Memphis, presented these masterpieces in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music’s Harris Recital Hall.
Suitable for church
By Chuck Smythe
The fall concert season has struck, and with it the latest offering from the Seicento Baroque Ensemble. This is a group formed by Evanne Browne, kappellmeister of Boulder’s First United Methodist Church. She is a noted scholar of early music, and seems to know everyone in the field.
By Chuck Smythe
My last big concert series of the season was with the Seicento (17th Century) Baroque Ensemble, a semipro chamber chorus dedicated to early music. This is a somewhat intimidating group for an amateur. Evanne Brown, the director and proprietor, is the Kappelmeister of the downtown Methodist Church, as well as a journeyman soprano soloist.
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| Cantor Rick Erickson |
Stunned by the deep silence
By Chuck Smythe
The Boulder Bach Festival is always a musical marathon. As always, we had four back-to-back, 3-4 hour rehearsals leading up to the festival. It was followed by performances at St. Johns Cathedral, Denver, and Mountain View Methodist, Boulder. Then I went home, had a scotch, and slept for twelve hours.
