Continuo Connect — Concert // Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Bach Easter Oratorio

Bach’s Easter music offers a joyous contrast to the intense grief of the Passions. The sombre, penitential tones are immediately conquered by the burst of trumpets, timpani and resounding alleluias of thanks.

The soloists for this concert will feature the new cohort of our Rising Stars of the Enlightenment scheme for singers.

The Easter Oratorio, composed in 1725, is an extended cantata that displays Bach’s consummate skill as a storyteller. The dash of running feet, the uncertainty of the empty tomb and the adrenalin rush of realising Jesus has risen from the dead are all brought vivdly to life through his infinite musical invention. After a boisterous opening, we are pitched into the drama of the disciples – represented by the quartet of soloists – with heartfelt arias for the two Marys (soprano and alto) and Peter (tenor) reflecting on their fears and hopes.

Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen (BWV 66) dates from 1724, the same year as the St John Passion premiered, being performed on the Monday after Easter. As always, Bach expresses a depth of emotion – the spirited opening chorus and a fleet-footed bass aria being followed by a more reflective duet for alto and tenor. Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, composed for Easter Monday in 1725, is imbued with duskier tones. Set on the road to Emmaus the uncertainty of the disciples journey away from Jerusalem provides Bach the dramatist with opportunities for unusual colourings and sharp word-painting.