Released: January 19, 2012
Lincoln, Neb. - The University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music presents "Ein Musikalisches Opfer" (A Musical Offering), BWV 1079 by Johann Sebastian Bach on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 pm in Kimball Recital Hall.
Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpiece "Ein Musikalisches Opfer" (A Musical Offering) will be performed by seven members of the UNL music faculty including John Bailey, flute; William McMullen, oboe; Jeffrey McCray, bassoon; David Neely, violin; Clark Potter, viola; Karen Becker, cello; and Christopher Marks, harpsichord.
This rarely performed piece was written in response to a challenge given to Bach by Frederick the Great. In 1747, Frederick submitted a devilish theme upon which the 62-year-old Bach was to improvise. After declining to improvise a six-voice fugue on the ill-suited theme, Bach went home, wrote ten canons, two ricercars (fugues), and a trio sonata all based on the King's theme. This collection, a tour de force of contrapuntal composition, was submitted to Frederick in fulfillment (and more) of the challenge. The music shows Bach at his compositional peak, writing music spanning several styles.
UNL music faculty will perform the entire collection of pieces with a variety of instrumental combinations, preceded by a short talk about the piece by Christopher Marks and accompanied by explanatory PowerPoint slides.
This will be a rare opportunity to hear one of Bach's signature works. This event is FREE and open to the public.
For more information contact the School of Music PR and Publicity office at (402) 472-6865 or at the website, music.unl.edu.