Williams, Chris - After Bach

Unaccompanied mixed voices
Standard: Varied (Easy/Moderate/Difficult)
8 ½ minutes

Three arrangements of well-known pieces by J.S. Bach for unaccompanied mixed voices:
Fugue in D major from Das Wohltemperierte Klavier II (SATB)
Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 (SSATB)
Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 (SSATBB)

These three transcriptions are the perfect suite of songs for a concert, adding a sense of fun. They were first performed in a summer concert in the Beaford Centre’s gardens in Devon, on a sunny but windy day amongst roses, ornamental hedges and hollyhocks, followed by a traditional Devon Cream tea. The arrangements are beautifully contrasting yet complimentary when performed together.

The Air from Suite no. 3 is wonderfully reflective and serene and has the advantage of being so familiar to audiences, it will transport you heavenwards. The Allegro from the Brandenburg Concerto no. 6 is an exhilarating sing and leaves the audience yearning for more!

I wanted to challenge the lower voices and create something where the voices had an equal rather than just an accompanying role. The counterpoint of Bach was the perfect solution. Since then, they have become a great favourite with both choirs and audiences.

– Chris Williams, Composer

Note: This title was formerly published by English Philharmonia.