Insight Day: From Bach to Mendelssohn

Explore the fascinating links between two great creative geniuses in this insight day of talks, music and debate. Leading scholars of J.S. Bach and Felix Mendelssohn come together to discuss the links between the composers, their families, and the growing interest in the music of the past. Mendelssohn’s famous revival of Bach’s St Matthew Passion is but one aspect of a compelling story of rediscovery and renewal. The day will include an exclusive presentation of the unique Mendelssohn collection of Bach materials in the Bodleian Library and an opportunity to view the recently acquired autograph of Bach’s Cantata for Ascension Day on display at the Weston Library. Keynote speakers include leading scholars Christoph Wolff, Thomas Schmidt and Benedict Taylor, Michael Maul of the Leipzig Bach Festival, and cultural historians Astrid Köhler, Leanne Langley, and Susan Wollenberg. Bodley librarian Martin Holmes will present the Mendelssohn material. Malcolm Bruno will introduce his newly published edition of the Mendelssohn/Bach St Matthew Passion, with commentary by Peter Ward Jones and Stephen Roe. Pianist-scholar Kenneth Hamilton and Monika Hennemann will illustrate Mendelssohn’s arrangements and travels, and the day will end with a debate about early music performance today. Chaired by Sir Nicholas Kenyon and Katy Hamilton.

Limited tickets for an exclusive presentation of the Bodleian Library’s Mendelssohn/Bach material. Free to participants, must be pre-booked by calling the box office on 01865 980980.
Tickets available on Friday 29 at 15:45–16:15 or 16:30–17:00 and Saturday 30 at 13:10–13:40.