Bach the ‘most rich musical genius,’ says papal concert’s musical director

August 09, 2011

The musician who will direct an August 9 concert at Castel Gandolfo says that Johann Sebastian Bach is “the most rich musical genius that I have ever met.”

“As a believer, I am greatly moved by the religious aspect of this music,” says Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, who will be performing in honor of the 60th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Pope Benedict and his brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger.

Mayer adds:

If we believe that behind the universe there is a Creator who instills order, must we accept our destiny, whatever it brings? Does this make us believers or fatalists? They are fascinating questions, which in Western art find their closest expression in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

 

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Further information:

• The answer in the notes of Bach: Concert in honor of the Pontiff at Castel Gandolfo (L’Osservatore Romano)
• Albrecht Mayer (official web site)