BRATTLEBORO — What could be better than Bach on a November afternoon?
Eight musicians heartily agree that an hour with the master composer is a sublime experience. To that end, they have gathered their forces in order to present an afternoon concert featuring the music of J.S. Bach, composer of composers.
On Sunday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m., Peggy Spencer, violin, organists Clark Anderson and Susan Dedell, and contralto Jennifer Hansen will perform in a concert that also includes musicians Marcia Cassidy, violin; Barbara Wright, viola, Zon Eastes, cello, and special guest Alison Doane, oboe.
The program consists of three of Bach's finest compositions, the Sonata in E Major for Violin and Keyboard, the Prelude and Fugue in D Major for organ, and Cantata 82, “Ich habe genug.”
Bach's music spans the gamut of expression, and organizers selected these three pieces as examples that amply demonstrate his skill as a extraordinary communicator of thought and feeling. The Sonata for Violin and Keyboard will be played by former New England Bach Festival concertmaster Peggy Spencer, violin, and Susan Dedell, organ.
The Prelude and Fugue in D Major, played by organist Clark Anderson, is considered a dazzling example of Bach's writing for that instrument. Anderson, who served as University Organist and Assistant Conductor at Princeton University, describes the piece as “pretty flashy,” while an earlier commentator on the work observed that “one must let the feet kick around a lot.”
The program concludes with Cantata 82, “Ich habe genug,” a cantata for solo voice and sung by noted contralto Jennifer Hansen. It features an oboe obligato, which weaves with the voice throughout the piece. Boston-based oboist Alison Doane will be joined by string players Peggy Spencer, Marcia Cassidy, Barbara Wright, and Zon Eastes, and organist Susan Dedell.
Admission to the concert is $10, or by donation. The concert takes place at St. Michael's Catholic Church at 20 Walnut St., and is handicapped accessible. For more information, call Winged Productions at 802-348-7735.