Article for London Bach Society's BACH CLUB page, in their journal BACH NOTES. Sept 2011
500 words
How should we promote Bach to people ages 18-30? What should London Bach Society's BACH CLUB be, and do, to communicate Bach's music to this audience? How can we help those already persuaded by Bach's music to take their interest to new heights, whilst also providing an introduction to those unfamiliar with or undecided about his work?
Whilst electronic composition classical composers such as Glass, Reich, Eno, Xenakis and Feldman receive a natural social platform in current society, Bach is a figure more isolated to contemporary life. Many young people come to minimalism through an experience of film scores, which provide an emotionally evocative platform for music similar to what they are listening to already in its tonality, chord progressions and repeated idioms. Others turn to electronic composers and the neo-modernists in an extension of their interest in experimental popular forms and concept albums.
Bach possesses less of these observable 'lead-ins' to his music through contemporary culture. Often, he is spoken of as being a 'cerebral' composer. The intricate part writing in his fugues are said to play themselves out with almost mathematical precision, the passion of his cantatas is ignored, and instead they are praised for their architecture, structure and form.
Yet words such as form and structure are misleading, mathematical terms, they can give the impression that Bach is to be understood in the same manner you would understand the workings of an engine. They are, understandably, an unnattractive and pressurised way to promote music, whose allure lies in the emotional reaction to sound as much as the sound itself.
So, for newcomers to Bach, it is important to realise that, it is possible to appreciate him just by listening, not thinking: the same way you would appreciate any other music. By moving, mentally and emotionally with each arching melody, each expected and unexpected chord change, each vigorous upbeat and poignant cadence you can open yourself to, and experience Bach. You may find your emotions amplified at specific points in the composition or you may decide Bach has nothing for you BUT the only way for this realisation to occur, is through experiencing it directly.
Thus: in November 2009, London Bach Society launched BACH CLUB, for those aged 18-30. All BACH CLUB events are free for students and a modest cost for others. From November onwards BACH CLUB meetings will happen twice a year, but, as we see the BACH CLUB grow members and develop interest, we hope to increase this to more.
The meetings are modelled on the weekly events Bach himself headed, in the city of Leipzig. At the forefront of artistic life, Bach and his students would use the time to discuss and perform new music, new ideas and new meanings. Likewise, BACH CLUB wants to push music into new areas. The meetings will not just favour seasoned performers but will introduce new interpretations of Bach's work by new performers and première works by new composers influenced by Bach. Over drinks it will also give artists a chance to talk about their work, offer audience members opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts and make useful contacts for future performances, concerts and careers. Whilst this will provide a cultural 'lead-in' for those who have had little experience of Bach (and this is where YOU come in to invite as many curious friends as you have BACH CLUB events) the social space the meetings create will allow everyone to pursue Bach to their own level.
Please seek us out on Facebook, Twitter, and on the London Bach Society website, and we hope to see you in November
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