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On 16 December 2000, a young @dra1 stepped out on to the stage of St Martin-in-the-Fields making what would be the first of many performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s great Mass in B minor. On 16 November last year, just under 25 years later, a slightly greyer @dra27 stepped out on the stage of King’s Hall at Newcastle University for what, for now at least2, would be his last performance of this great work3. As I write this in the 9 hour window of unemployment between finishing at the University of Cambridge and Tarides and commuting down to 2½ Devonshire Square to start at Jane Street, it’s a new year and a change of course. the “27” wouldn’t be allocated until the next October ↩ never say never… ↩ I’ve never recorded the work, although I recorded Ach, bleibe doch from Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11 with Musik Podium Stuttgart ten years ago, which is one of the source arias for the famous Agnus Dei of the mass ↩
On 16 December 2000, a young conductor named @dra1 made their debut performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s iconic Mass in B minor at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Little did they know then that this would be just the beginning of a remarkable journey with this masterpiece. Almost 25 years later, on 16 November 2023, a slightly more seasoned conductor, now identified as @dra27, took the stage at King’s Hall at Newcastle University for what was intended to be their final performance of the same work.
The contrast between these two moments in time is striking. In 2000, @dra1 was a fresh-faced conductor eager to make their mark on the world of music. The Mass in B minor, often referred to as Bach’s "Masterpiece of Masterpieces," is a monumental piece that demands not only technical prowess but also a deep understanding of its emotional and spiritual dimensions. The performance at St Martin-in-the-Fields was a testament to @dra1’s talent and passion for Bach’s music.
Fast forward to 2023, and @dra27, now with a decade of experience under their belt, stood before an audience at Newcastle University. This performance was particularly poignant, as it was billed as their last rendition of the Mass in B minor. The decision to step away from this particular work may signal a shift in focus or a desire to explore new musical frontiers. However, the conductor left the door open, stating, "never say never," hinting that a reunion with the Mass in B minor might be possible in the future.
As the new year dawned, @dra27 found themselves in a transitional period. Between finishing their tenure at the University of Cambridge and starting a new role at Tarides, they had a brief 9-hour window of unemployment. During this time, they reflected on their career trajectory and the significance of the Mass in B minor in their professional life. The conductor also mentioned that they had never recorded the Mass in B minor, despite having recorded "Ach, bleibe doch" from Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11 with Musik Podium Stuttgart ten years earlier. This piece is one of the source arias for the famous "Agnus Dei" of the Mass in B minor, highlighting the conductor’s enduring connection to Bach’s music.
The decision to step away from the Mass in B minor for now may be a strategic move, allowing @dra27 to explore other aspects of their musical repertoire and to focus on new projects. It could also be an opportunity to recharge creatively and approach the piece with fresh perspective when they return to it. Regardless of the reasons behind this change, the conductor’s relationship with Bach’s Mass in B minor remains a testament to their dedication and passion for the composer’s work.
In the meantime, @dra27’s career will undoubtedly continue to evolve, shaped by their experiences and the many people they have encountered along the way. As they move forward, the legacy of their performances of the Mass in B minor will remain a significant chapter in their musical journey, inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike.
