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While we know and love Bach for his cantatas, oratorios, concertos, and chamber music, he never seems more himself than on the organ. His writings for the ‘king of all instruments’ (W.A. Mozart) open the gates to an entire universe of harmony and polyphony, achieving a degree of freedom impossible for any other instrument, and allowing for a unique window into Bach’s mind.
The pieces chosen for this recital on the renowned Pasi organ at the West Vancouver United Church touch on the four pillars of Bach’s organ work: Toccata and Fugue, Concerto, Sonata and Chorale Prelude.
Generously sponsored by The Graham & Gayle Cooke Foundation.
PROGRAMME
J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
5th Trio Sonata BWV 529
‘An Wasserflüssen’ BWV 653
Passacaglia & Fugue BWV 582
Concerto BWV 593
Toccata & Fugue BWV 538
‘Vor deinen Thron’ BWV 668
The internationally renowned keyboard artist Alexander Weimann has spent his life enveloped by the therapeutic power and beauty of making music. Alex grew up in Munich. At age three he became fascinated by the intense magic of the church organ. He started piano at six, formal organ lessons at 12 and harpsichord at university (along with theatre theory, medieval Latin and jazz piano.) He is in huge demand as a director, soloist and chamber player, traveling the world with leading North American and European ensembles. He is Artistic Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver and teaches at the University of British Columbia where he directs the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme.
Alex has appeared on more than 100 recordings, including the Juno-award-winning album “Prima Donna” with Karina Gauvin and Arion Baroque orchestra. His latest album series “The Art of Improvisation” (Volume 1: A Prayer for Peace; Volume 2: Ad libitum; and Volume 3: Canavian Variations, released on Redshift, 2024) unites his passions for both baroque music and improvisation on organ, harpsichord, and piano.