J S Bach :  Mass in B Minor

Following on from our very successful workshops on Bach’s Motets in 2020-21, we turn our attention to his great masterpiece, Mass in B minor, the Mount Everest of choral repertoire: a challenge we will aim to conquer in three day workshops, 10.30am – 4pm. All workshops take place at St Michael’s Church, Lewes.

#1   –   Saturday 19 March 2022:   Gloria in excelsis deo – which includes 5 choruses. The soprano part splits into 2 for some of them. Other voice parts do not split.

#2   –   Saturday 30 April:   Symbolum Nicenum (Credo) – a mighty 7 choruses, in three separate chunks. The soprano part splits into 2 for some of them. Other voice parts do not split.

#3   –    Saturday 14 May:   Kyrie 1 /Kyrie 2, the two-choir Sanctus (with Hosanna) and Dona nobis pacem. For this workshop, the Sopranos and Altos split for some of the choruses, and the Hosanna is in two four-part choirs.

If we have time, we will perhaps review of some of the Gloria and Credo.

Accompanist

We’re delighted that Howard Beach will once again be joining us as our expert accompanist.

Cost

Cost of participation is £20 per day, to include music hire and (if permissible) tea/ coffee & biscuits on arrival. Please bring your own water. There’s a discount if you book for all three workshops – see below.

Timetable

10.30am Registration
11 – 1pm – Workshop
1 – 2pm – Lunch break
2 – 4pm – Workshop
4pm – Day ends

Discounts

All three workshops: 10% discount  (£54 instead of £60)

Cancellation policy

If we are obliged to cancel the workshop everyone will be refunded. Individual requests for refunds will be dealt with at the Director’s discretion.

Music

We will have hire copies of the Barenreiter edition for everyone, but you are welcome to work off your own copy if you prefer.

Nick will point everyone in the direction of recommended recordings to listen to beforehand, if you’d like to do so.

How to Apply

Please email workshops@musicsussex.org.uk stating your voice part, and which day(s) you would like to attend.

If you have sung the Mass in B Minor before and have a preference for first or second soprano, and/or first or second choirs, please say and we will try to accommodate that.

If there’s space, we’ll hold your place and send you details of how to pay. Your place is confirmed once payment is received.

Please note: To ensure a good balance, places will be allocated by Nick and it may not be possible to accommodate everyone who applies.