Bach Total: Ecumenical concert festival in the diocese of Aachen begins!

Bach Total: Ecumenical concert festival in the diocese of Aachen begins!

In the festive atmosphere of the upcoming celebrations on the 275th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach on July 28, 2025, a remarkable project will be launched. From January 26 to April 4, 2025, the ecumenical, church music project entitled "Bach Total" invites you to experience the composer's works in a comprehensive framework. In numerous concerts, church musicians from both denominations will perform their entire organ work, creating a unique dialogue between the Protestant and Catholic traditions in church music. This reports the Wz.

The “Bach Total” project includes a total of 17 concerts that take place in varied places in the region of the diocese of Aachen, including the Eifel, Aachen, Düren, Mönchengladbach, Heinsberg and Krefeld. Two interactive children's concerts are particularly emphasized, which should give younger generations to access to Bach's music. On January 26, the start with an organ building workshop in Willich begins, followed by a concert at 4.30 p.m. under the title "The Secret of the Visited Notes".

diverse concert offers

The concerts during this project are an excellent opportunity to deal with the theological depth and musical brilliance of Bach. The children's concert on February 7th in the Thomas Church in Kempen will be designed by the organist Niklas Piel, while on March 30th at 6 p.m. in the Paterskirche the organist Ute Gremmel-Langen will inspire the audience with her interpretations. In view of the theological dimension, which Bach gives as a "fifth evangelist", the opportunity to experience its influence live is considered particularly valuable.

Access to all concerts is free, which makes the project accessible to a wide audience. This initiative will not only contribute to the appreciation of Bach's understanding of faith and art, but will also attract awareness of the jointly worn roots of church music.

ecumenical dimensions of church music

The organization of "Bach Total" takes place in the context of a longer tradition of ecumenical church music projects. As is emphasized in the article by Herder, historical denominational tensions in church music are evident, but it is the "free" organ music that promotes a harmonious agreement between denominations, especially in the works of Bach and Mendelssohn.

The ecumenical perspectives also show in art. The painter and priest winner Köder created the work "Musica Sacra", which places Bach's music in a broader cultural and spiritual context. This picture shows both angels and biblical figures, which reflects the entire musical and liturgical wealth. The increasing inclusion of Bach's music in Catholic services also speaks for a growing connection between the denominations.

Overall, the “Bach Total” project will represent an important platform for exchange about musical traditions and practices. The challenges and opportunities in church music are increasingly visible through joint events, and it is to be hoped that such initiatives will continue in the future.

Further information on this possible highlight of musical culture in the region can be found in the concert program. If you want to go on a musical journey through the work of one of the greatest composers in history, you should not miss this opportunity.