BACHFEST LEIPZIG 2004
Bach und die Romantik – Bach and the Age of Romanticism
14 - 23 May 2004

My day at Bachfest: 21 May 2004

Originally, my plan was to join the tour of Köthen (event no.45). But I decided to work in the library instead, and so I joined Bachfest from the evening. There were two concerts taking place at the same time, one at Gewandhaus (which I went) and the other at Nikolaikirche (which I missed). It was a hard choice to make, and I still regret I missed the latter, Mendelssohn’s Oratorio "Paulus" given by RIAS Kammerchor and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, conducted by Daniel Reuss.

No.49: Orchestra Concert at Gewandhaus, Großer Saal, 20:00

It happened that the promised conductor, Herbert Blomstedt, was reported ill, and the advertised program (Bruckner no.2) was changed to no.1.

Three lively soloists

The main attraction for me was BWV 1050. It was performed with period instrument but in modern pitch. To my delight, all three soloists were very lively and individual – flute with lovely tone, good shaping of phrases and articulation, violin with bold ornamentation not the same as flute but unique and original appeal, harpsichord with bold, powerful leadership from the background. It was so refreshing performance that although the same program was heard only a few days ago, I didn’t mind listening to this piece again.

After the interval, the concert concluded with Bruckner’s Symphony no.1, giving a very sharp contrast with Bach. It was a well-defined, responsive ensemble. Still, I wasn’t sure why I had to listen to Bruckner as part of Bachfest.

Gewandhausorchester

Yo Tomita