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‘Tis Nature’s Voice: The Musical Offering

Academy of Ancient Music

A peacock displaying its tail

The Musical Offering: music written by a giant for a king, explored and performed by Laurence Cummings and the Academy of Ancient Music.

On 7 May 1747, Johann Sebastian Bach arrived at the court of King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The greatest musician of his age locked musical wits with a monarch who saw himself as a philosopher, and Bach responded with The Musical Offering – a collection of pieces designed to put the nature of music itself to the ultimate technical, intellectual and emotional test.

Dazzlingly imagined and endlessly rich, The Musical Offering has fascinated performers and scholars for centuries. Today, we unfold its secrets and explore its remarkable story, as Laurence Cummings and AAM focus all their insight, energy and verve on one of music’s most sublime puzzles. Bach probes the nature of creativity, harmony and genius, in a masterpiece that never grows old.

This performance will finish at approximately 9.20pm, including a 20-minute interval

 

Pre-concert talk

6.30pm, Milton Court Concert Hall

Free

Milton Court Concert Hall

Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.  

Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street

Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available