Bach Inspired is a captivating choral album released by The Bach Choir, conducted by their Musical Director David Hill, on March 18, 2022, under the Stone Records label. This unique album blends the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's chorales from the St. Matthew Passion with six newly commissioned contemporary choral pieces, creating a harmonious dialogue between the past and the present.
The album features works from six exciting contemporary composers: James B. Wilson, Gavin Higgins, Héloïse Werner, Charlotte Harding, Carmen Hoekman, and Mark Austin. Each composer has drawn inspiration from the chorales of Bach's St. Matthew Passion to create their own distinct pieces, resulting in a diverse and innovative collection of music.
The Bach Choir, accompanied by the Faust Chamber Orchestra, delivers a powerful and evocative performance throughout the album. The 12 tracks, spanning a total duration of 33 minutes, offer a rich tapestry of sound, from the hauntingly beautiful "O Sacred Head Surrounded by Crown of Piercing Thorn!" to the serene and contemplative "Easter Wings."
Bach Inspired is not just a showcase of The Bach Choir's exceptional vocal prowess but also a testament to the enduring influence of Bach's music on contemporary composers. The album is a must-listen for fans of choral music, offering a fresh and inspiring take on the classic chorales of the St. Matthew Passion.
(C) 2022 Stone Records(P) 2022 Stone Records
Tracks
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1 (Excerpts): No. 54, O Sacred Head Surrounded by Crown of Piercing Thorn! [Arr. for Choir]Johann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
GlowCharlotte Harding, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2 (Excerpts): No. 32, How Falsely Doth the World Accuse! [Arr. for Choir]Johann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
Cruelty Has a Human HeartGavin Higgins, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1 (Excerpts): No. 15, Receive Me, My Redeemer [Arr. for Choir]Johann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
Inner PhrasesHéloïse Werner, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1 (Excerpts): No. 25, O Father, Let Thy Will Be Done [Arr. for Choir]Johann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
Dreams in the Garden of Love’s SleepDes Oliver, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2 (Excerpts): No. 62, Be Near Me, Lord, When DyingJohann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
Easter WingsCarmen Ho, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1 (Excerpts): No. 44, Commit Thy Way to Jesus [Arr. for Choir]Johann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, David Hill
Who Has Seen the Wind?James B. Wilson, The Bach Choir, Faust Chamber Orchestra, David Hill
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