J. S. Bach: Mass in B minor, Bachfest Leipzig 2023

Masaaki Suzuki and his Bach Collegium Japan conclude the Bachfest Leipzig with the composer's "opus summum" at St. Thomas Church on 18 June 2023.

“Compelling performances – the sheer polish and technical accomplishment of the music-making immediately hold the ear, and are reinforced by subtle phrasing and a quality of listening among all concerned that allows Bach’s counterpoint to progress with lightness and jaw-dropping clarity”, writes Classic FM Magazine about the interpretations of J. S. Bach’s music by Masaaki Suzuki and his Bach Collegium Japan, which he founded in Kobe in 1990 and is dedicated to the historical performance practice ob Bach’s music. Their recordings of all cantatas have gained reference character. At the 2023 Leipzig Bachfest, they will perform Bach’s Opus summum: the Mass in B minor, which marks the festival’s festive closing in St. Thomas Church Leipzig. They are joined by an excellent ensemble of soloists who will perform the arias as well as the choral parts together with the singers of the BCJ.

J. S. Bach
Mass in B minor, BWV 232

Bach Collegium Japan
Masaaki Suzuki, musical direction

Aki Matsui, soprano
Hana Blažíková, soprano
Benno Schachtner, altus
Makoto Sakurada, tenor
Dominik Wörner, bass

St. Thomas Church Leipzig
June 18, 2023, 18h00

A UHD HDR production of Accentus Music in co-production with NHK.

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Co-Production Company NHK
TV Director Ute Feudel
Conductor Masaaki Suzuki
Orchestra / Band Bach Collegium Japan
Choir Bach Collegium Japan
English title of music work Bass in B minor, BWV 232
Composer Johann Sebastian Bach