Bach and Blood

A perfect programme for the glowing acoustic of this atmospheric church. Female voices from the National Youth Choir's Chamber Choir join the Scottish Ensemble (performing on modern instruments) for a work by Glasgow-based Irish composer David Fennessy. Blood for solo violin, strings and voices is based on a vocal melody by the 12th-century composer Hildegard of Bingen. The title, the composer says, suggests something visceral, tangible and flowing. It is complemented by the ethereal, mystical power of Arvo Pärt's Greater Antiphons for strings. Bach's great Chaconne is set in context by the 'Ghost Chorales' relating to death and resurrection supposedly hidden within the virtuosic violin lines.

Programme:
JS Bach Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004 with 'Ghost Chorales'
Pärt Greater Antiphons
Fennessy Blood

Performers:
NYCOS Chamber Choir
Scottish Ensemble
Jonathan Morton violin, director
Christopher Bell director