Johannes Brahms

The San Francisco Bach Choir opens its 62nd season with an all-Brahms program in commemoration of the centennial of the death of Johannes Brahms. Joined by the acclaimed PianoForte team of Steven Bailey and Lori Lack, the choir will explore Brahms’ intimate and sentimental side, highlighting his two great love song cycles, the Liebeslieder Waltzes and the Neue Liebeslieder Waltzes. These settings are grounded in German folk music, expressing the many moods of love, and are invigorated by breathtaking leaps of rhythmic freedom. They will be performed by the Bach Choir in full force and in smaller ensembles.

The Bach Choir has often showcased its fine accompanist, Steven Bailey, who most recently played the Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat in the choir’s 1996 all-Beethoven concert. On October 19, our audience will have the special opportunity to hear Mr. Bailey with his splendid piano duo partner, Lori Lack. In addition to providing the piano four hands accompaniment for the Liebeslieder Waltzes, they will perform the virtuoso work for two pianos, Brahms’ Variations on a theme by Joseph Hayden, also known as the St. Anthony Variations.