The "turba" choruses in Bach's St. John Passion are some of the catchiest and fun to sing - and I think that's exactly what Bach intended. Going along with the mob and being swept up by their energy is easy and fun, until you (hopefully) realize you're calling for someone's death...
AND the anti-semitism in the St. John Passion is NOT OK. It's fine to present this piece, but it needs context. My experience had to do with idea that we all are complicit in the actions of the mob. No anti-semitism, yes to personal responsibility and examining your actions.
Les Baricades Mïstérieuses
Sometimes you can't beat an old favorite - like this incredible version of Couperin's "Les Baricades Mïstérieuses". Thanks to my colleague Vijay Chalasani for sharing this!
Allegri: A game of telephone
Lies, errors, ignorance... Allegri's Miserere (as we know it today) is like that children's game of "telephone" - it bears only slight resemblance to the original. Check out the full story below and then come hear it at the Ash Wednesday service at Advent on Wednesday night (6:30pm, with me singing the top Cs)
P.S. Thanks to Dr. Rebecca Marchand for sharing this video!
Burmeister and rhetoric
The term "rhetoric" is thrown around frequently when discussing early music - but what does it really refer to? Check out this awesome video by Early Music Sources (and epic motet by Lassus)!
Alonso de Tejeda
Remember the test for a choirmaster from 1604? The job was given to Alonso de Tejeda (who succeeded Alonso Lobo). Here's his gorgeous setting of the Miserere from Ensemble Plus Ultra!
Byrd Hodie
Sang this gorgeous Byrd motet for the Feast of the Presentation - love all these jewels from the Gradualia!
Toledo Choirmaster, 1604
Could you have been a choirmaster in 1604? This was the test for Alonso Lobo’s successor - check it out!
Bach Translations
Check out this fantastic new resource for Bach's cantata texts! I'm thrilled to know other people nerd out about the same things I do (Bach and German), and also maybe I can stop doing all my own translations now... 😜
Partimenti
Partimenti aren't just for keyboardists! Great vocal ornamentation comes from knowing what shapes fit the framework of the piece and knowing what harmonic progression the composer wanted. It also makes life easier when sight-reading... Check out more about partimenti from Early Music Sources!
Gareth Thomas
Want to program a piece but can't find a good score? Be sure to check out the work of my colleague Gareth Thomas!
