The Genius of Bruckner

Saturday 9 March 2024

7.30pm

(ends 9.30pm approximately)

The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds

Bruckner     Mass No. 2 in E minor (WAB27)

Bruckner     Selection of motets

Ibex Brass

Tailleferre Ensemble

Bury Bach Choir

Benedict Collins Rice conductor

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) is one of the most enigmatic of composers – self-effacing and diffident in his personal and professional life, a compulsive stu­dent of music who continued studying and collecting diplomas until he was forty, an internationally renowned organ virtuoso with legendary improvi­sational skills ... and the composer of some unusually complex and richly textured music. 

In recognition and celebration of the 200th anniversary of Bruckner’s birth, this concert features his wonderful Mass in E minor, punctuated by several of his ever-popular motets, including Locus Iste and Ave Maria.

His Mass in E minor is set for eight-part chorus, wind instruments and brass.  The work illustrates more succinctly than any other Bruckner's unique style, combining simplicity of expression with sheer power and richly expressive harmony. The opening Kyrie represents a microcosm of the full work, being comprised of individual blocks of music introducing an extreme range of dynamics from the quietest a cappella music to massive walls of sound.  In the subsequent sections of the piece Bruckner expands on and develops each of these uniquely contrasting characters in turn, so creating a work of immense and impressive variety.  Throughout the Mass, Bruckner displays a technical mastery of counterpoint and complex, eight-part vocal writing, and a wonderful lyricism which has made the Mass in E minor one of his most popular and frequently performed choral works. Central to the audience’s enjoyment is Bruckner’s frequent and thrilling use of brass. Come, enjoy!

The concert also includes Bill Douglas’ Three Lyrical Pieces for two oboes and bassoon, played by the Tailleferre Ensemble.

All seats reserved

Booking opens 8 January 2024

Tickets £25, £20 and £15 (half price for under-30s) plus Apex booking fee £2.00 

Early booking discount £1 off all full price tickets booked by 31 January 2024