Os Bachs – Concert for Choir, Soloists and Baroque Orchestra · Nova Era Vocal Ensemble & Orquestra 1755 · Maestro João Barros

Under the direction of conductor João Barros, this programme guides us through the compositions of a family known as a remarkable example of musical talent passed down through seven generations. Originating in Thuringia, Germany, members of the Bach family developed and received strong musical training from the 13th century onwards, sharing knowledge among themselves and upholding a high standard of excellence. The programme includes pieces for choir, soloists, and orchestra, all set against the backdrop of the era’s characteristic spirituality.

Programme

Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen (BWV 12), Johann Sebastian Bach
Sinfonia
Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
Bitten (Wq 208/3), Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Quarteto solista
An den Flüssen Babylons, Johann Philipp Kirnberger
Ach, daß ich Wassers gnug hätte, Johann Christoph Bach
Alto Solo
Jesu, meine Freude, Johann Michael Bach
Halt was du hast
Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227), Johann Sebastian Bach
Coral
Gute Nacht, o Wesen
Mit Weinen hebt sich's an, Johann Christoph Bach
Der Gerechte, ob er gleich zu zeitlich stirbt, Johann Christoph Bach
Unsere Trübsal die zeitlich und Leicht ist (JLB 33), Johann Ludwig Bach
Paixão segundo São Mateus (BWV 244), Johann Sebastian Bach
Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder

Soloists

Mariana Castello-Branco, soprano
Laura Lopes, alto
Dinis Rodrigues, tenor
Samuel Rausch, bass

Nova Era Vocal Ensemble Composed of 28 singers, this ensemble was founded by conductor João Barros. Through various premieres of Portuguese and foreign composers, it has given a new direction to composition in Portugal, while also introducing the public to the most significant choral works in the history of music.

João Barros has a Master's degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Choral Conducting from the Lisbon School of Music. He is a teacher trainer at the “Music at School” workshops organised by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and has worked with several choirs over the years. He is the Artistic Director of the Lisbon Choral Conducting Masterclass.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) A composer, harpsichordist, chapel master, conductor, organist, teacher, violinist, and violist, he is regarded as one of the masters of classical music and played a crucial role in the development of Baroque music.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) A German musician, composer, and teacher, C.P.E. Bach is perhaps the most famous of Bach's sons. He was one of the leading exponents of the "empfindsam" style (sensitive), during the transitional period between the late Baroque and Classicism. Known as the "Bach of Berlin" and later as the "Bach of Hamburg" to distinguish him from other members of the Bach family, he worked as a court musician and composer in various cities, including Berlin and Hamburg. He left behind hundreds of compositions, including solo piano pieces, concertos, symphonies, sacred music, chamber music, and lieder.

Johann Philipp Kirnberger (1721-1783) A composer, music theorist, and musician of the late Baroque and early Classical period, he was one of the most notable disciples of Johann Sebastian Bach, making significant contributions to music theory, particularly in the fields of harmony, counterpoint, and tempered tuning.

Johann Christoph Bach (1642-1703) Considered the greatest musician of the Bach family before Johann Sebastian Bach, he served as an organist in Eisenach for 38 years. He was a cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach and is regarded as a significant influence on his musical education. He played a crucial role in the development of the German Baroque style, particularly in sacred vocal music and instrumental pieces.

Johann Michael Bach (1648-1694) A German composer of the Baroque period, he was also a cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is referred to in some circles as "Gehrener Bach," to distinguish him from another Johann Michael of the Bach family, known as the "Wuppertaler Bach".

Johann Ludwig Bach (1677-1731) A German composer and musician of the Baroque period, he worked in various churches and held positions in several cities, where he composed and performed religious music. Most of his output is related to cantatas, motets, and choral music, composed for liturgical church services.

The Church of Nossa Senhora das Mercês occupies the site of the former Convent of Nossa Senhora de Jesus of the Third Order of Saint Francis, whose construction began in 1582 and was completed in 1633. Heavily damaged by the 1755 earthquake, the church was rebuilt under the patronage of D. Frei Manuel do Cenáculo, becoming the parish church of Nossa Senhora das Mercês in 1835. Combining Mannerist and Baroque features, it showcases a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th-century carving, sculpture, and painting in the main chapel and side altars, as well as two richly decorated pulpits.