Leipzig’s got talent: in 1723 Bach competed for one of Germany’s top musical jobs. Today, Laurence Cummings and Academy of Ancient Music reveal exactly what he was up against.

The Chosen One

Milton Court Concert Hall

Genius loves company, but when a plum job is up for grabs the gloves come off. After Bach got the gig in Leipzig in 1723, his disappointed employers made it very clear that he wasn’t even their second choice. So who came first – and, for that matter, second? You’d expect them to be good.

Deck the halls with Bach and the brilliance of the Baroque! Celebrate the season with the H+H Orchestra, Chorus, and Resident Conductor Scott Allen Jarrett as they bring you music that overflows with joy and “crackles with spirit” (The Arts Fuse). The holidays shine even brighter with jubilant works by the harmonious duo J.S. Bach and his cousin J.L. Bach, alongside the sparkling beauty of Graupner’s Magnificat.

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Baroque Christmas

New England Conservatory of Music

Numerous traditions from past eras provide us with detailed information about how composers of the past centuries lived and worked, and even the inks they used for their compositions. However, how these compositions actually sounded in their time remains only a matter of conjecture; until the invention of the first functional phonograph in 1888, there was no way to permanently record sounds for posterity. Historically informed performance practice, and the Gaechinger Cantorey as a select specialist, are dedicated to the endeavor of getting as close as possible to the presumed reality of sound. Since 2016, a renowned ensemble has been formed under this name, aiming to bring Baroque masterpieces to the stage in an authentic way. Unique accompaniments to this process are two replicas of original instruments from the Baroque period – a harpsichord and a chest organ, which were specially made for the ensemble and will also be performed in Wolfegg. In the atmosphere of the equally baroque Knight's Hall, the Gaechinger Cantorey sensitively recreates the sounds of the 17th century.

Baroque Masterpieces

Knights' Hall

The rich harmonies and musical invention of Bach are just perfect for the holiday season, and in this concert you’ll hear two of his Advent cantatas, including the famous Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and mouth and deed and life). You’ll certainly recognize its beautiful and gentle melodies. Alongside the music of Bach are two works by his contemporary Graupner, music of great grace and elegance.

A Bach Christmas

First Congregational Church of Berkeley

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Stanford University

An exploration of the rich catalog of Bach cantata arias with Tenor Nicholas Phan, alongside the striking music of Bach contemporary Christoph Graupner, who (lest we forget) was offered the post of Thomaskantor in 1723 ahead of Bach! 

Bach 52 • Tenor Nicholas Phan

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Delight in this special one-off performance of sparkling Baroque gems as acclaimed early music specialist Erin Helyard leads the exciting young musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship Program in works by Telemann and Graupner.

The Splendour of the Baroque

Sydney Opera House

Collegium Musicum and Arizona Baroque

St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church

The conductor-less and period-instrument chamber orchestra performs music of the 18th century. Directed and coached by Corey Jamason and Elisabeth Reed, the ensemble continues to perform brilliant and virtuosic music for baroque orchestra, with students from both the Orchestra and Historical Performance programs.

Christoph Graupner

Events

Past events

Apr 16, 2026

The Chosen One · Academy of Ancient Music

Apr 16, 2026

The Chosen One · Barbican Centre

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