Episode details

Radio 3,16 Oct 2025,59 mins
Available for 18 days
Johann Sebastian Bach is a towering cultural icon, a composer who might be seen as the poster boy for “serious music†and spent most of his career in the service of the church. But he played many roles in the course of his life, and could be funny, sassy, conniving, obstinate, and rebellious. This week, along with the “worldly†Bach, we’ll get to know his secular music… and follow his trail as he makes his way in the world, from courts to coffee houses, building a family, two-timing his bosses, and even a stint behind bars. Today, Bach packs up his family and heads to Leipzig, to take up the prestigious job in charge of music at the city’s four main churches. No more Dukes and Princes telling him what to do, but he still can’t escape authority – finding creative refuge and stimulation at the city’s finest coffee house. Harpsichord Concerto BWV 1054 (iii. Allegro) The English Concert Trevor Pinnock, harpsichord/director Double Violin Concerto, BWV1043 (1st movement) Rachel Podger, violin Bojan Cicic, violin Brecon Baroque Cantata, BWV214 “'Tönet, ihr Pauken'†(opening chorus) Collegium Vocale Gent Philippe Herreweghe, conductor Orchestral Suite No 2, BWV1067 (3rd – 7th movements) Dunedin Consort John Butt, conductor Cantata BWV211 'Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht' (Coffee Cantata) Emma Kirkby, soprano Rogers Covey-Crump, tenor David Thomas, bass Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood, conductor Produced by Amelia Parker for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales and West
Programme WebsiteTracklist
- TrackArtist
- 1.Harpichord Concerto No 3 in D major, BWV 1054 (3rd mvt)Harpichord Concerto No 3 in D major, BWV 1054 (3rd mvt)Johann Sebastian Bach
- 2.Double Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043 (1st mvt)Double Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043 (1st mvt)Johann Sebastian Bach
- 3.Cantata "Tonet, Ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!" BWV 214 (excerpt)Cantata "Tonet, Ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!" BWV 214 (excerpt)Johann Sebastian Bach
- 4.Orchestral Suite No 2 in B minor, BWV 1067 (3rd - 7th mvts)Orchestral Suite No 2 in B minor, BWV 1067 (3rd - 7th mvts)Johann Sebastian Bach
- 5."Coffee" Cantata "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht" BWV 211"Coffee" Cantata "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht" BWV 211Johann Sebastian Bach