People listen to pop, rock and roll or jazz, and they may find it hard to believe several genres have been influenced and developed by the extraordinary life works of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Shane Wellner | Rawr
Classical composers are not naturally associated with today’s Top 40 divas or garage rock punks, but many genre’s roots stem from Bach’s vast influence on modern music.
The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music is bringing Bach’s legacy to campus again this year for the 4th annual Idaho Bach Festival this weekend.
The festival began in 2010 with the help of the Olsson Fellowship Grant, but starting this year, it will be backed by the Lionel Hampton School of Music.
“The festival was originally proposed as a venue to expose the community to early music. We owe a lot to Bach for making music what it is today,” said Michael Murphy, founder and co-artistic director.
The Idaho Bach Festival has lived up to its purpose and will continue to do so, Murphy said. As the only Bach Festival in the state, the event is dedicated to exposing people to musical origins and helping them broaden their cultural horizons.
In order to bring fresh talent and outlook to the event, each year features a Bach Festival Scholar. The title is reserved for an artist who is renowned in the world of classical music and well versed in the history of Bach, Murphy said This year’s festival features scholar and harpsichordist David Schulenberg.
Schulenberg is chair of the music department at Wagner College in New York City and teacher of Historical Performance at the highly esteemed Julliard School. He brings UI knowledge of not only Bach, but of Bach’s son, C.P.E. Bach — also an iconic classical composer.
“Schulenberg is bringing his world-class talent to the University of Idaho, and that’s pretty remarkable,” Murphy said.
The festival also gives students a chance to learn and perform Bach’s complex works. By growing to understand his masterpieces, students “minds are blown,” Murphy said. The appreciation they develop for Bach translates into enthusiasm toward not only their musical endeavors, but also anything they choose to do in life, he said.
Murphy encourages people to attend the Idaho Bach Festival for a number of reasons.
“Nowhere else will people get this level of talent for this low admission price. They’re going to hear music that they know, and also be exposed to unfamiliar works,” Murphy said. “It’s something everyone needs to experience. Bach rocks.”
The Idaho Bach Festival began Thursday in the Idaho Commons with a free concert performed by UI music students. It will continue throughout the day Friday and Saturday with performances from students, faculty and guests, including a lecture from Schulenberg.
For a complete schedule of Bach Festival events, visit the Lionel Hampton School of Music page on the university website.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected]