All are invited to a fireside presented by Calvin Arnason, one of our ward organists, THIS FRIDAY, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the RS Room.
From Bro. Arnason: This passion music of JS Bach, which from musical and religious standpoints is properly regarded as a high point of western civilization, (and Bach is referred to as "the Fifth Evangelist") is little known in America due to its difficulty in performance and its length. I will concentrate narrowly on certain scenes - the denial of Peter, the precious oil gift, the mob scenes, the audience participation chorals, the "acknowledgment" of Roman soldiers at the crucifixion, the gambling for His robe, etc. It is not like Handel's Messiah, which, while having religious content, is primarily a concert piece, where the only direct audience participation is to stand during the Hallelujah Chorus. The Bach Passions are above all worship instruments in a sacred setting designed to incorporate and bring the audience into the dramatic unveiling of the Passion story. Believe me - it will be an eye and ear opener.
