It’s the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the Oxford Bach Soloists are marking this historic event with a sequence of exciting events towards the end of October…
Martin Luther’s rejection of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church was to lead to his critical 95 Theses of 1517 exposing the practice of indulgences. His refusal to denounce his writings as demanded by Pope Leo X and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V resulted in his excommunication and condemnation as an outlaw.
Although separated by 200 years, the writings and texts of Martin Luther are inextricably linked to the music of JS Bach. A remarkable sequence of events across Oxford celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and includes many opportunities to experience live performances of Bach’s music.
Martin Luther 500 postage stamp
Reformation 500:
St Michael at the North Gate
Sunday 29 October 2pm, FREE
JS Bach: Clavier-Übung III (German Organ Mass)
Organist: Robert Dixon
Mezzo-soprano: Damaris Rickhaus-Nussbaumer
An unmissable performance of JS Bach’s monumental Clavier-Übung III In the historic setting of Oxford’s oldest church. Bach’s most significant and ambitious work for organ is also a personal and profound statement of faith.
Published in 1739 to celebrate the bicentennial of Martin Luther’s sermon in Leipzig, the third volume of Clavier-Übung (Keyboard Practice) is renowned for its technical and musical complexity.
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Martin Luther 500 postage stamp
Reformation 500:
Exeter College Chapel
Sunday 29 October 6-7pm, FREE
JS Bach: Nun Danket alle Gott (Now Thank We All Our God)
Exeter College Choir
Conductor: Bartosz Thiede
A service of Choral Evensong with the Choir of Exeter College and the orchestra of the Oxford Bach Soloists. Bach’s 1730 Reformation Cantata Nun danket alle Gott was probably composed in Leipzig setting texts by Martin Rinckart. With its opening chorale fantasia, duet for soprano and bass soloist and concluding “rollicking gigue” this is a terrific opportunity to hear this wonderful work in a splendid setting.
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Reformation 500: Lutheran Vespers
New College Chapel
Tuesday 31 October, 6.15-7.15pm, FREE
JS Bach: Cantata 80 Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (A Mighty Fortress is our God)
New College Choir
Conductor: Paul Brough
The orchestra of Oxford Bach Soloists and New College Choir present an authentic recreation of Lutheran Vespers, the context for which JS Bach was writing his cantatas.
Bach’s magnificent chorale cantata Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott was composed for Reformation Day (31 October) based on the famous hymn by Martin Luther.
‘…one of the most impressive high points in the history of the chorale cantata.’
Christoph Wolff
Preceeded by a talk at 5pm by Professor Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor of History and author of Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet (2016)