It is no secret that I love music and, as I've stated many times, I do love a lot of music. I'm not just a music listener or someone who just dances or sings along to music. I love the concept, the structure, the creativeness, the moods and sensations it creates, the history of it and it's role in history, it's many genres. the cultures and messages it conveys and preserves, it's complexity and/or it's simplicity. I love how it brings me to another place, soothes my soul, excites me, makes me want to dance, relaxes me, brings me to tears, brings out the glow of love, reflects my life, and portrays the lives of others.
On the last evening of May, I attended a tremendously moving concert presented and performed by the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra. It was Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor, which is a powerful choral work and a stirring orchestral piece. It was held inside one of RI's most beautiful churches, Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence, which made for a perfect setting because, after all, the piece was originally written to be played in a church.
There was an impressive turnout for the evening's performance. I sat among the others in the audience and I was completely taken in by the entire performance. The orchestra was excellent, whether playing en ensemble or featuring solo passages, such as the moving harpsichord solo. The chorale was tremendous. Each soft passage was harmonious and smooth, and each time the chorale reached the height of a crescendo, the music resounded throughout the church in the most impressive surround sound effect I've heard in a long time.
It was just so amazing how the sound completely filled the church and surrounded each member of the audience. At times, it was virtually impossible to avoid enjoying the surroundings of the church itself. The stained glass windows, statuary, and paintings are absolutely beautiful, so the church was transformed into the ideal theater.
Above is a picture of the chorale and orchestra from that concert. I do know a few members personally, however the person that I've called my best friend since the first grade is also a member. Debbie is an alto in the Chorale. Starting from right, she is the first woman you see standing in the front row. She has been a member for over 20 years.
The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra was established in 1957 and consists of approximately 90 men and women from 27 different towns in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. The orchestra that accompanies the chorale is made up of professional musicians, including members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Soloists who perform with the chorale are highly respected professionals in the world of opera and classical music. The Chorale's mission is to provide artistic enrichment to the public and the singers through the presentatation of no less than three concerts of major choral works per year.
Although not everyone is a fan of this type of music, it is still often appreciated by a majority of people when such music is heard in a church setting, for the surrounding environment lends to the beauty, spirituality, and quality of the composition. Although I can not provide the appropriate setting, I can provide a short clip of the music that was performed that night. It was recorded at a RI Civic Chorale & Orchestra concert that was performed a number of years ago. If interested, click on the following link and go to the last item listed in the options so that you may sample this music by Johann Sebastian Bach. (Instructions at the top of the page will help you to determine the best size for you to select. The "selections" do not have to appear highlighted...just click on the one of your choice and it will bring up a sample for you.)
http://www.ricco.org/music_samples.htm
19 comments on An Evening of J. S. Bach
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Must have been a great night Donna!
Soul food for the ears! What a musical feast!
I absolutly understand the feeling of the music being all around you. It is amazing how the old builgings just absorb each note and hit you with it with ten times more feeling. Glad you had a great evening.
Have you ever heard of Mozart's musical dice game?
http://www.amaranthpublishing.com/MozartDiceGame.htm
Ahh, I'm jealous :-). Mass in B Minor is indeed a wonderful piece. In fact, I might generalize and say that any baroque/classical composition in a minor tends to be stunning, because we're so used to Mozart's primarily-major works.
SigmaX
Great new picture............I wish you were around to spread some of your cheer
So can I assume that you like music? Very good post Donna. However I couldn't see the lead guitarist or the electronic keyboard? You do know that Bach had his own groupies and tickets were hard to get.
That mush have been so beautiful and relaxing to listen to. Bach is really a wonderful way to use your ears.
AJ
Robin, it was a great night. When I am immersed in music, everything is great.
Oh, my, martne....it's so nice to see you!!!
It was a feast, it truly, truly was!
tvrvalentinesbaby (do you want me to call you this in Blogster?): Yes, old buildings do something with sound that new buildings can't. Depending on the music (and why it is being performed), new buildings are sometimes better. It just simply has to do a lot with the environment complimenting the music, achieving the effect that is intended.
SigmaX...yes, it is a wonderful piece, no doubt about it. I am not going to criticize Mozart or any composer because each has his own forte, but you are right about classical compositions in a minor. I will admit, there are a couple of parts of the Mass in B Minor that don't strike as good a chord with me as some other parts (sorry for the pun), but it does show so much diversity in the composition, therefore the overall effect. (We must also remember the period and locations in which JS Bach did his composing, which serves as a great consideration when comparing the works of other masters.)
Queenie, thank you, I'm glad you like the pic.
I know what you mean, queenie, but even though I'm not "right there", I am around and I hope I do spread some cheer your way.
So, Richard, what would ever make you assume that I like music? Huh?
Yeppers, Bach did have his share of groupies, no doubt about it...and he didn't need a lead guitarist or an electric keyboard!
AJ, when it's live (or with headphones, if you know what I mean), each note, tone, modulation, and purpose can be heard, yet it can still all be heard as one "all in one" piece. Witnessing it in the right setting and mood only enhances it. Bach is a master at providing the perfect musical "blends" for such listening.
Tracy will do.
What a gorgeous Church! Music does heal the soul and takes you to a whole new world!
Then Tracy it is.
Yes, frog, music certainly does do that. Yeah, it is a gorgeous church. I appreciate the artwork in it very much. This was the second time I had attended a concert there and it was just as good an experience as the first time.