Bach's B Minor Mass in Context

Johann Sebastian Bach’s B Minor Mass has been hailed as the “Greatest artwork of all times and all people,” it has been performed in churches, concert halls, and the number of recordings on records, CDs, and on streaming services is breathtaking.

The four talks will explore the rich resonances of the Mass and of Bach’s music, ranging from its roots in the long history of the Christian liturgy to the legacy of the piece in the US, both in public performances and, transformed, in the musical language of Jazz composers such as Dave Brubeck. The talks will unravel the threads that connect this composition to its sacred origins and gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural influences that have shaped its enduring legacy.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided but please register.

Host or Publisher Yale Institute of Sacred Music