Watch Bachfest Leipzig 2014: Ascension Oratorios

Bachfest Leipzig 2014: Ascension Oratorios is a captivating documentary movie about three days' musical extravaganza of the Mozart Foundation during Bachfest 2014. This docufilm chronicles a stunning live musical performance led by Christoph Einhorn of Johann Sebastian Bach's Oratorio Ascension BWV 11 and three of Mozart's symphonies bookended by two of Bach's works. This magnificent event features a stellar line-up of world-class musicians, including sopranos Ulrike Hofbauer and Wiebke Lehmkuhl, contralto Anke Vondung, tenors Patrick Grahl and Jan Kobow, and bass Klaus Mertens, with Jan van Der Crabben leading the orchestra of the 18th century.

Bachfest Leipzig is one of the foremost music festivals in Germany, celebrating the legacy of the legendary composer Johann Sebastian Bach. This renowned festival invites talented musicians from across the world to perform classical music over ten days every year in the heart of Leipzig, the birthplace of Bach. The festival has been held annually since 1904 and features the works of Bach and his contemporaries. Bachfest Leipzig 2014 was the 99th edition of the festival, which occurred from June 6-16, 2014.

The documentary begins with an introduction to the festival and then quickly moves into the first musical performance of Bach's Oratorio Ascension BWV 11. Christoph Einhorn, the conductor of the orchestra, is a skilled musician and leads the ensemble to deliver an immaculate rendition of this religious piece. The choir, distinguished by their crisp harmonies and impeccable phrasing, adds depth and power to the music. The work is melodious and uplifting, guiding the audience through the story of Christ's ascension.

The documentary illustrates the organizational skills and preparation required to create a flawless musical event. Through the strategic use of natural lighting, the viewer is immersed in the atmosphere of the concert hall, allowing them to experience the music as if they were there. The nitty-gritty behind-the-scenes of the four-day rehearsal process and the intense preparations for the concert are also shown, revealing the musical genius and hard work that transform a musical event into a mesmerizing experience.

The documentary also provides glimpses into the local German culture, architecture, and the history of the Bach Festival, emphasizing how the festival is an essential part of Leipzig's cultural heritage. The interviews with festival directors and local residents display the profound faith and passion that have sculptured Leipzig's musical legacy.

The second half of the documentary showcases Mozart's Symphony No. 29 in A Major and Symphony No. 34 in C Major, highlighting two of Mozart's early masterpieces. Here, Christoph Einhorn and his orchestra produce a bright and exuberant performance of Mozart's works, which transport the audience into Mozart's era in classical music history. The music is enchanting and skillfully executed by these superb musicians.

The concert culminates with Bach's Jesu, meine Freude BWV 227, which brings the musical extravaganza to a close. The choir members spill into the aisles, and the soloists sing from different corners of the hall to create a stirring musical display that is both spiritual and transcendent.

Overall, Bachfest Leipzig 2014: Ascension Oratorios is a captivating, well-made documentary that is a testament to the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. It is a perfect film for lovers of classical music eager to be transported to Leipzig at the peak of the summer, hearing some of the greatest music ever produced. Christoph Einhorn's energetic and passionate conducting, alongside Jan van Der Crabben's flawless playing and leadership, makes this an unforgettable and moving musical experience.

Bachfest Leipzig 2014: Ascension Oratorios is a 2004 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes.