Masterclass: Arias of the Bach Family

The festival begins with a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how singers conquer the notorious technical and interpretative challenges of JS Bach.

In this public masterclass, distinguished voice teacher and countertenor Ashley Stafford and pianist Kristin Loretta Barone work with a group of experienced Cambridge-based soloists on arias from Passions, oratorios and cantatas.

As well as works by JS Bach himself, the programme includes an aria by his son CPE Bach who – moving forward from the Baroque into the beginnings of the Classical era – certainly kept up the family tradition of vocal pyrotechnics.

Repertoire:
JS Bach Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut (recit & aria from Cantata BWV 199)
JS Bach Am Abend … Mache dich, mein Herze, rein from St Matthew Passion, BWV 244
JS Bach Ich folge dir gleichfalls from St John Passion, BWV 245
JS Bach Ich will den Kreutzstab gerne tragen from Cantata BWV 56
JS Bach Quia respexit from Magnificat, BWV 243
CPE Bach Quia respexit from Magnificat, H. 772

Performers:
Elise Jones soprano
Katharine Pledger Jones soprano
Sarah Rosewell soprano
Stephen Pledger Jones bass-baritone
Mark Wainwright bass