Bach Parley Spring Concert & Annual Reception

Event: Tallahassee Bach Parley season finale features Bach Cantata No. 4
When: 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 2, 2019
Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street
More: $10 suggested donation; free childcare available 
Website: www.BachParley.org

Tallahassee Bach Parley concert finale features music from the sublime to the ridiculous

The Bach Parley Season Finale concert will feature music from the sublime to the ridiculous, beginning with the wacky and unpredictable “Capriccio Stravagante” – “Curious Inventions” – written in 1627 by Carlo Farina. By imitating other instruments or even animals this extravagantly eccentric piece is like an early version of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” because the stringed instruments evoke a variety of images and sounds familiar to 17th century life. The centerpiece of the concert with the Bach Parley Chamber Singers is J. S. Bach’s Cantata No. 4, “Christ lag in Todesbanden” – “Christ lay in death’s bonds” – a beloved cantata for Easter. To introduce the cantata the musicians will trace the cantata’s main hymn, written by Martin Luther in 1524, from its origins in plainsong chant through brief examples from other composers who used this melody before Bach. The grand finale of the concert will be “Lift Up your Heads” a joyful chorus from the second part of Handel’s Messiah.

This is music director Valerie Arsenault’s 11th year leading the Bach Parley. The Bach Parley performs primarily on period instruments – harpsichord and baroque style stringed instruments with gut strings, and occasionally includes baroque vocalists as on this concert. The French word “parley” means discussion, and a key element of Bach Parley concerts is the commentary provided by Arsenault who gives historical context about the composers and offers suggestions about what to listen for in the music.

The Tallahassee Bach Parley is also the umbrella organization for a non-profit music school, The Bach Parley String Academy, now in its fourth year offering violin, viola, and cello lessons along with ukulele classes at St. John’s Episcopal church.

The concert will be at 3PM on Sunday, June 2 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street, and the Bach Parley’s annual membership reception will be held after the performance. At all Sunday Tallahassee Bach Parley concerts this season, patrons will receive an insert in their programs with a discount coupon to use after the concert at participating downtown area restaurants. A $10 donation is suggested, and free childcare will be offered.

For additional information about the Tallahassee Bach Parley, including the Bach Parley String Academy music school, visit www.bachparley.org.

Enjoy the music, the venue, and the magic of Baroque performance with the Tallahassee Bach Parley!