#kohnfoundation

[markseow]

Programme notes 5 November 2017

JS Bach BWV 234, BWV 105 Directed by Philippe Herreweghe, led by Margaret Faultless   Programme notes by Mark Seow Royal Academy of Music

...Belonging to Bach’s first cycle in Leipzig, BWV 105 was first performed on 25 July 1723.The libretto is drawn from the Sunday Gospel describing God’s judgement. Conscience, or Gewissen, is central to this message, and Bach’s music places its depiction at the core of his construction...

[markseow]

Programme notes 8 October 2017

JS Bach BWV 181, BWV 17, BWV 196 Directed by Iain Ledingham, led by Margaret Faultless Programme notes by Mark Seow Royal Academy of Music

...With the mention of ‘Belial’ we enter the central contrasting section – or do we? Indeed the musical structure continues as expected, with the reprise of the opening material. However after only four bars into what we believe to be the da capo, the depiction of Belial returns ever the more declamatory. We realise that this is not a da capo structure as we were led to believe, but instead a ritornello movement. In other words, just as Satan deceived Eve with ‘sacred Fruit forbidd’n’, Bach tricks us, his loyal listeners...

[markseow]

Concert 25 June 2017

JS Bach BWV 202, BWV 82 Directed by Iain Ledingham, led by Madeleine Easton. Soloists: Claire Ward, Nicholas Mogg.     Programme notes by Mark Seow Royal Academy of Music

... Here a gavotte is used to set the good wishes for the newly-wed couple, but also gestures towards the music that will take place after the cantata has finished. This playful diegesis or musical pun is extremely succinct; but then again, the real wedding party has only just begun...