Bach Revived Part I

This is the first event of several today exploring the music of Bach and its influence on Schumann and his circle.

Today's focus is the Bach revival led by Mendelssohn, supported by Schumann and influential on so many others. Robert Quinney, Organist and Director of the Choir at New College, starts the day in the magnificent chapel at New College with an illustrated lecture on Schumann and Mendelssohn's efforts to imitate and integrate Bach's counterpoint in their own works.

This event is free, although booking is recommended.

This fascinating lecture sets the scene for several other talks and concerts over the course of the day:

From 2.30pm, we move to the Weston Library to explore the first performances of the St Matthew Passion and the foundation of the Bach Societies with Hannah French, as well as hearing live music in Blackwell Hall, and a talk given by Richard Wigmore on the influence of Bach in Schumann's songs.

At 5.30pm, the Phoenix Piano Trio perform Mendelssohn's second piano trio in C minor, with its famous last-movement chorale clearly a legacy of Bach and the Lutheran chorale.

Lastly, at 10pm, the Oxford Bach Soloists under conductor Tom Hammond-Davies perform three Bach cantatas in New College Chapel, joined by renowned tenor James Gilchrist.