Bach and the Blues

J. S. Bach – Sleepers Wake (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)

J. S. Bach arr. Loussier – Prelude No. 6 in D Minor

J. S. Bach arr. Loussier – Suite No. 3 in D Major

Cole Porter – The Tale of the Oyster

Cole Porter – Miss Otis Regrets

J. S. Bach arr. Loussier – Prelude No. 21 in B Flat Major

Ben Parry – Weary with Toil (Devon premiere)

Gershwin arr. Robinson – Summertime

INTERVAL

Will Todd – Mass in Blue

Exeter Bach Society celebrate the rich history of jazz on a relaxing summer evening in the beautiful village of Topsham. But what is “jazz”? Many would argue that there is some form of jazz in all music. Indeed, J. S. Bach was known for his elaborate unpredictable harmonic progressions and audacious improvisations in the organ loft which astonished and challenged listeners in 18th century Germany.

From Bach to Gershwin, the society explores a rich variety of composers accompanied by the EBS Jazz Trio and guest soloists including a Devon premiere of a new composition by Ben Parry (Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain).The evening will finish with the modern choral masterpiece – Will Todd’s ‘Mass in Blue’ – fusing the traditional Latin text of the Missa Brevis with blues harmony and syncopated rhythms.

Musical Director: Jonathan Lucas Wood

Soprano: Heloise West

Baritone: Jason Bomford

Piano: Colin Pettet

Bass: Mike Thorn

Drums: Michelle Hiley