The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has once again delivered a captivating performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's beloved "Brandenburg" Concertos, a tradition that has been a staple of the orchestra's annual programming for years.
Bach's compositions may not be traditionally associated with Christmas music, but their festive spirit aligns perfectly with the holiday season, making them a welcome respite from the usual liturgical fare. The concertos also offer a unique insight into the chamber form, showcasing the magnetism and intimacy of small ensembles as they weave together in intricate patterns.
The SPCO's performance began with a lively rendition of Concerto No. 1, featuring three oboes, two horns, and a solo violinist in Eunae Koh, whose impressive statement added depth to the work's already warm sound. As the piece progressed, the various sections traded phrases like members of a lively assembly, each contributing its own voice to the spirited conversation.
The Second Concerto presented an oboe solo that was nothing short of startling, soon joined by the violin and creating a sense of dynamic tension. The Third movement brought a familiar melody into the spotlight, which jumped brightly in and out of the texture before speeding up to create a swirling sense of motion.
The Fifth Concerto, featuring a harpsichordist Jeffrey Grossman, was a highlight of the evening, with his ceaseless motion and assertive vigor bringing out the intricate passages. The harpsichord's extended cadenza at the end of the first movement was exhilarating in its exuberance, conjuring up images of a video game soundtrack.
The Third Concerto, often performed by student orchestras as a rite of passage, shone in the hands of the SPCO, with crisp articulation giving the music an athletic edge. This balance and precision were on full display throughout the concert, showcasing the beauty of musical mathematics that lies at the heart of Bach's "Brandenburg" Concertos.
Finally, the Fourth Concerto brought the evening to a close, featuring principal violinist Kyu-Young Kim alongside flutists Julia Bogorad-Kogan and Alicia McQuerrey. The interplay between the musicians was nimble and conversational, creating an uplifting finale that left the audience on a high note.
Throughout its performance of Bach's "Brandenburg" Concertos, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra demonstrated a mastery of the chamber form, weaving together complex patterns with ease and precision. This tradition has become a beloved part of the orchestra's annual programming, offering audiences a respite from the usual liturgical fare during the holiday season.
Bach's compositions may not be traditionally associated with Christmas music, but their festive spirit aligns perfectly with the holiday season, making them a welcome respite from the usual liturgical fare. The concertos also offer a unique insight into the chamber form, showcasing the magnetism and intimacy of small ensembles as they weave together in intricate patterns.
The SPCO's performance began with a lively rendition of Concerto No. 1, featuring three oboes, two horns, and a solo violinist in Eunae Koh, whose impressive statement added depth to the work's already warm sound. As the piece progressed, the various sections traded phrases like members of a lively assembly, each contributing its own voice to the spirited conversation.
The Second Concerto presented an oboe solo that was nothing short of startling, soon joined by the violin and creating a sense of dynamic tension. The Third movement brought a familiar melody into the spotlight, which jumped brightly in and out of the texture before speeding up to create a swirling sense of motion.
The Fifth Concerto, featuring a harpsichordist Jeffrey Grossman, was a highlight of the evening, with his ceaseless motion and assertive vigor bringing out the intricate passages. The harpsichord's extended cadenza at the end of the first movement was exhilarating in its exuberance, conjuring up images of a video game soundtrack.
The Third Concerto, often performed by student orchestras as a rite of passage, shone in the hands of the SPCO, with crisp articulation giving the music an athletic edge. This balance and precision were on full display throughout the concert, showcasing the beauty of musical mathematics that lies at the heart of Bach's "Brandenburg" Concertos.
Finally, the Fourth Concerto brought the evening to a close, featuring principal violinist Kyu-Young Kim alongside flutists Julia Bogorad-Kogan and Alicia McQuerrey. The interplay between the musicians was nimble and conversational, creating an uplifting finale that left the audience on a high note.
Throughout its performance of Bach's "Brandenburg" Concertos, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra demonstrated a mastery of the chamber form, weaving together complex patterns with ease and precision. This tradition has become a beloved part of the orchestra's annual programming, offering audiences a respite from the usual liturgical fare during the holiday season.
! They really brought out the magic in those "Brandenburg" Concertos. I mean, who knew Bach's music could be so festive and fun? 
The way they balanced all those different sections and instruments was like a beautifully choreographed dance 
. And that oboe solo in Concerto No. 2 was MIND-BLOWING 
! I loved how the SPCO made it sound like a lively gathering, with everyone trading phrases and adding their own voice to the conversation 
. It's no wonder this concert has become a holiday tradition - it's pure magic 
!
! I MEAN, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT MUSIC LIKE THIS COULD BE SO FESTIVE AND FUN FOR CHRISTMAS?! BUT TRUST ME, IT IS PRECISELY THAT KIND OF MAGIC THEY CARRY OUT ON STAGE EVERY YEAR. THE WAY THEY GET ALL THOSE INSTRUMENTS TO TALK TO EACH OTHER LIKE A LIVING THING IS JUST WONDROUS 
! I COULDN'T HELP BUT FEEL ALL CHEERY AND UP-LIFTED WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER...
I mean, who needs VR when you can just relive the good ol' days of Halo and Gears of War? Anyway, back to Bach - I've always thought his music was a bit overrated 
. All those intricate patterns and stuff are just like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded 
. But at the same time, there's something so beautiful about it that makes me wanna listen to it on repeat all day long 
. And that SPCO performance? Forget about it! They totally brought the house down 
. I mean, who knew oboes and violins could be so sexy together 
?
, but these concerto's got that festive vibe going on 
, and the way the SPCO traded phrases like a bunch of friends jamming together 
. Jeffrey Grossman's harpsichord skills were on point too! 
[link to YouTube video: "St Paul Chamber Orchestra - Brandenburg Concertos"]
The way they balance all those instruments is like a beautiful math problem come to life. And I'm not even kidding when I say I was dancing in my seat during the harpsichord solo - it's like someone took me straight into a video game 
! The whole concert just felt so joyful and uplifting, I loved every minute of it. Have you guys ever listened to Bach's "Brandenburg" Concertos before? What do you think is the most underrated part about them?
Eunae Koh's solo in the 1st concerto was insane 
The interplay between the musicians is like a conversation - it's just so smooth and effortless 
.
. and don't even get me started on how pretentious it is to call it "festive spirit" during christmas... just a bunch of rich people playing fancy music for our entertainment 
. and what's with all the soloists? can't they just let the orchestra do its thing like normal? 
.
but honestly who needs that when you have this level of musicianship on stage 
! The way they brought out the festive spirit in Bach's music is truly magical 
. Can't wait to see what they do next season! 
and makes it feel so intimate and warm, especially in the concerto no 3 movement where that familiar melody just pops up and takes over