Jordi Savall: Mass in B minor by Bach

In addition, Bach’s Mass lays the foundations for the tradition of great modern Masses, leaving behind the visions of Franco-Flemish and Italian polyphonists, and paving the way and providing a model for Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and even Bruckner. It is clearly a mature work that accompanied the Thomaskantor from Leipzig for many years before he completed it: almost fifteen years elapsed between composing the Kyrie and the Glory – a kind of missa brevis – in 1733 until all parts had been written. A true milestone of Bach’s art where the echo of his cantatas and previous works can be recognised and enjoyed in new atmospheres and renewed affections.