By Allie Shaffer, Staff Writer
The Georgetown College Chorale has two events scheduled for this upcoming weekend.
First, on Saturday, March 23, the GC Chorale will participate in the Bach Marathon concert event in Lexington, KY. The GC choir will perform at approximately 2 p.m. They will perform three pieces of work: “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light,” “Thee With Tender Care” and “Come Thou, O Saviour.”
The Bach Marathon is a five hour event to honor Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music.
Born in 1685 into a family of musicians, Bach’s prodigious musical talent emerged early. He excelled as both a performer and a composer. His compositions spanned a wide range of musical forms and genres, including sacred and secular works, vocal and instrumental pieces and keyboard and orchestral music.
Bach’s music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonic language and profound emotional depth. His mastery of technique and profound understanding of music theory allowed him to innovate within established forms while adhering to strict compositional principles.
Bach’s compositions include masterpieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B Minor, the Well-Tempered Clavier and the Goldberg Variations, which continue to be celebrated for their complexity, beauty and spiritual depth.
Despite achieving limited recognition during his lifetime, Bach’s legacy grew significantly after his death in 1750 as subsequent generations of composers and musicians recognized the profound impact of his work. Today, Bach’s music remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire and continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Second, on Sunday, March 24, the GC Chorale will host their annual Conductor’s Series titled “Off the Beaten Path.” This concert will be provided by Professor Christopher Powell and include performances from the Georgetown College Chorale, Treble Choir and Gospel Choir. This event is Nexus approved and will take place at 4 p.m. in the John L. Hill Chapel.
The GC choir will repeat their Bach performances, and they will also perform some additional pieces. A chorale favorite is the song “Since Feeling is First,” written by Dr. Christopher Powell with words by E.E. Cummings. This song has special meaning for Dr. Powell. The song is written in E major, since his wife’s name is Emily, and it utilizes the wording of Emily’s favorite poet, E.E. Cummings. It is a token of love for her.
Some lyrics in the song speak to the depth of love: it mentions how the approval of love comes not only from the heart, but rather encapsulates the full body. It shows how death cannot come between love.
At the end of the Conductor’s Series concert, alumni will be asked to join (as they are able) for the singing of “Lord Bless You and Keep You.”
The Conductor’s Series concert attests to the dedication of chorale members, and it is sure to be music to all attendees’ ears.
For those who enjoy listening to beautiful music, the GC Chorale will host another concert in May, which consists of songs chosen by choir members.
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