What did Bach never hear?

By Stuart Beaudoin

UXBRIDGE: On Good Friday, April 18th, at 3 p.m. at St Paul’s Anglican Uxbridge, Bach’s Mass in B Minor will be performed by Cantorei sine Nomine Choir and orchestra, directed by Stu Beaudoin. Despite our fondness for Handel’s Messiah, this music is actually considered by musicians, critics and listeners to be the greatest of all choral music. It is music of profound theological depth and spiritually uplifting moments, full of memorable tunes and love songs to God and His Christ. Of all Bach’s creations, this would be his personal expression of faith, to the glory of God.

J.S. Bach (1685 -1750) never performed nor heard the completed Mass.

Bach began creating the Great Mass in the last few years of his life. The reason or occasion for setting the Mass is unknown and speculative. The scale of the Mass is so vast it could never be performed in a worship service. Partially blind, physically challenged and with failing hearing, there is no doubt Bach knew he would never hear the glorious sounds of the entire Mass.

Considering Bach’s profound faith, it is reasonable to assume, this was his ultimate expression of compositional mastery and his personal confession to the Glory of God. He wrote on every piece of sacred music - SDG – Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God alone.

You can experience this musical creation at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in Uxbridge, on Good Friday, April 18th, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30, children and students are no charge, and tickets are available online, through Star Ticketing starticketing.com.