Opus 1700 - Bach

Johann S. Bach’s most towering achievement, the great Mass in B Minor, a work of sublime vocal and orchestral mastery. Join Key Chorale and immerse yourself in Bach’s magnificent sonic landscape. Written across two decades, and completed in Bach’s final years, Mass in B Minor is the glorious summation of an extraordinary musical life demonstrating his skill, ingenuity, and symbolism into a work full of dramatic impact.

Mass in B Minor is one of the most celebrated choral masterpieces; it was Bach’s last major work before he died. Bach didn’t even give the work a name and never heard the Mass performed in its entirety. That wouldn’t happen until 1859, more than a century after Bach’s death.

Eight of the country’s leading Baroque vocalist soloists bring their artistry as soloists, and as a dynamic vocal ensemble. They combine with Key Chorale Chamber Singers and chamber orchestra showcasing the broad spectrum of forces and musical styles in Bach’s greatest work.

In between an awe-inspiring Kyrie and the jubilant final Dona nobis pacem, there are nine completely unique arias and duets, 14 impressive ensemble sections for four, five, six and even eight voices. The Mass even includes Bach’s very last pages of vocal music written, the Et incarnatus est.