place: take notice | Oxford Bach Soloists

In the wake of the lockdowns and terrible hardships our communities have endured, an increased interest in wellbeing and mental health has come into focus. Our concerts proffer Bach’s music as a resource for increasing wellbeing and aspiration in six themes: spirit, mind, people, body, place, planet.

Reminding ourselves to ‘take notice’ strengthens and broadens awareness. In Cantata 35, we are reminded to ‘take notice’ as the alto soloist, stupefied, sings, “I am amazed, for all one sees must cause us astonishment!” We watch in amazement as the harpsichord soloist in Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg Concerto delivers a coruscating cadenza of colossal power and chromatic intensity. Was it designed for Bach to play himself? Who else could play it?