Ittingen Whitsun Concerts – Concert 6 – SOLD OUT

What is a grave made not of stone, but of notes? Bach wrote his Chaconne in D minor following the sudden death of his first wife, Maria Barbara. He never spoke about his loss. However, he left behind music that speaks volumes.

The final movement of Partita BWV 1004, as played today, is permeated with chorales that are softly inserted like memories that never fade. Dmitry Smirnov and Vox Clamantis follow the pure path revealed by Helga Thoene, with numbers and silence hidden in the fabric of the sounds. Thus, the Chaconne becomes a resounding epitaph. Not only for a woman. For a life. For what was, and continues to resonate: 'Morimur' – we die. 'Morimur' – we die. But not without song.

Arvo Pärt
Kyrie and Gloria
from Missa syllabica
for mixed choir

Gregorian chant
Gloria

Helena Tulve
Gloria
for mixed choir

Johann Sebastian Bach
Allemanda, Corrente,
Sarabande and Giga
from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
for solo violin

Gregorian chant
Da pacem, Domine

Arvo Pärt
Da pacem, Domine
for mixed choir

Johann Sebastian Bach
Ciaccona
from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
for violin and four voices, based on
an analysis by Helga Thoene

In the monastery church