"...in the measure that the mind acquires more enlightenment, the heart acquires more passion" 

During the period of the Enlightenment, a great turning in thought shaped the tides of eighteenth century art. One current flowed from the lofty empiricism of English scientists and philosophers such as Newton and Locke. Another stream, originating in the French rationalism of Descartes, gained force through the great French authors Montequieu, Voltaire and Diderot. In Italy, a new appreciation for openness and clarity transformed opera plots and inspired melodies that spoke straight to the heart. Each stream of the ëenlightened artsí welcomed audiences with clear expression, elegant melodies and an optimistic outlook on human improvement through moral and educational value of the arts. An attractive way to widely disseminate Enlightenment ideals was developed: the public concert. To accommodate the growing public who wished to attend cultural events, large theatres were built. In Germany, where these diverse currents collided and mingled with the Northern traditions of! composition, even backwater vil lages and minor courts were alive with possibilities. Due to the widespread popularity of French and Italian musical tastes and the simultaneous persistence of the local contrapuntal craft, German composers were perhaps more likely to work in several styles. 

At a confluence of these strong currents one may place the music of Bach, whose relative isolation allowed him to explore and coordinate the national currents without being obliged to write exclusively in any one of them. Bachís eventual personal synthesis of French, German and Italian styles may be regarded as one of the unique musical achievements of the Enlightenment. 

Our series explores several aspects of the legacy of the Enlightenment, and explores the world of Bach as lover (Concert I, February 27), mystic (Concert III, April 3), virtuoso (Concert II, March 20), and father (Concert V, May 15). We also highlight Bachís immersion into the fashionable French currents that so greatly inspired his composer sons (Concert IV, April 24) as well as future composers. The recurring image of Enlightenment thought - a great Sun piercing the clouds of superstition and error - seems apt for moments when through understanding sound, one receives light. 

Linda Burman-Hall
Artistic Director 

1999, Linda Burman-Hall.