Watch At Home with Bach

At Home with Bach is a captivating and informative documentary about the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers in history. The film follows Ton Koopman, the world-renowned conductor and early music specialist, and Klaus Mertens, a prominent Bach interpreter and bass-baritone, as they explore Bach's personal life and musical legacy.

The film takes place in several locations in Germany, including Leipzig, where Bach spent the most productive years of his life. Koopman and Mertens visit the churches, concert halls and other places where Bach played, wrote and performed his music. They also go to Bach's birthplace in Eisenach and other towns where he lived and worked as a composer and musician.

The film is structured around a series of musical performances by Mertens and other musicians, including Koopman himself. These performances highlight some of the most spectacular and moving pieces from Bach's extensive repertoire, including his cantatas, oratorios, and other choral works. These performances are interwoven with commentary by Koopman, Mertens and other experts on Bach's life and work, who provide insightful analyses and historical context for each piece.

At Home with Bach is not just a documentary, but also a journey through time, as the film takes us from Bach's childhood to his death, exploring the social, political, and cultural context in which he worked. We learn about the influence of Lutheranism and other religious movements on Bach's music, the rivalry between composers in the Baroque era, and the role of music in daily life.

One of the highlights of the film is the stunning vocal performances by Mertens, who has a deep and resonant voice that is well-suited to Bach's music. Mertens sings some of the most moving and complex pieces from Bach's cantatas and oratorios, including the "Gloria" from the Mass in B minor, "Erbarme Dich" from the St. Matthew Passion, and "Ich habe genug" from the Cantata BWV 82. These performances are accompanied by beautiful visuals of the places where Bach lived and worked, as well as several striking artworks that capture the spirit of the music.

At Home with Bach is not just a film for classical music enthusiasts, but also for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history's greatest composers, and the enduring legacy of his music. With its beautiful cinematography, expert commentary, and stunning musical performances, At Home with Bach is a must-see for anyone who loves music, history, and the arts.

At Home with Bach is a 2000 music movie with a runtime of 58 minutes.