Listening to the great choral masterpieces of J S Bach can be both spiritually and musically uplifting and moving.

This proved to be the case for me, and I’m sure many, in the well-filled St Nicholas’ Chapel recently when King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, Noxwode Baroque, and distinguished soloists gave a fine performance of J S Bach’s Mass in B minor, completed in the composer's final full year.

The Mass is a ‘missa tota’, a full setting of the five sections of the ordinary of the Catholic Mass, and the majestic work includes music and styles taken from previous pieces in Bach’s career, which can be serious or dance-like depending on the content of the Latin text.

In this performance, conducted by Ben Horden, the chorus and orchestral balance seemed just right, and soloists Charlotte Bowden, (Soprano), Sarah Anne Champion, (Mezzo-soprano ), Jonathan Hanley, (Tenor), and Frederick Long, (Bass-baritone), all discharged their solos and duets with clarity, beauty, and the appropriate emotion.

The chorus sang with warmth and dexterity when required, and all departments of the orchestra, lead by Conor Griemanis, gave fine support to the soloists and chorus. I especially enjoyed hearing trumpets, drums, and horn in some of the the livelier numbers! 

I’ve listened  to Bach’s music in St.Thomas’ Church, Leipzig, (his own church), and in London, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, but it was great to enjoy the Bach experience closer to home. Thanks to all concerned for a most memorable evening! 

– Andy Tyler, Lynn News