The Paths of Bach - A musical journey in the tracks of Johann Sebastian Bach

May, 11 - 17, 2024 | Arnstadt, Dornheim, Weißensee

In 1705, Johann Sebastian Bach was twenty years old. As a young organist from a modest background, he wanted to perfect his musical education - and so he set off from Arnstadt to Lübeck to meet the composer Dietrich Buxtehude, an undisputed master of his craft. Only a few details are known about his journey of more than 400 kilometres, which must have been partly on foot along the Roman salt road. For Bach, however, it represented a personal and artistic awakening that would characterise his entire future work.

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary (in 2026), the French ensemble pygmalion would like to embark on a similarly formative journey. To return to Bach's roots and share a unique collective and artistic experience, Raphaël Pichon and his ensemble will follow the paths of the young Bach in an ambitious project:
In three sections, Pygmalion will undertake a musical journey partly on foot and partly by bicycle, including concerts as well as encounter projects. The project offers performers and audiences alike a unique insight into the musician's profession and Bach's work in order to grasp its vitality, meaning and significance for the present day.

The paths of Bach in detail

Wolkramshausen | Hue de Grais
musical park festival

Friday, 17 May 2024
Arnstadt | Bachkirche | 6 pm
concert: Missae Breves

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FESTIVAL PASS - all in one

100 kilometres on foot and by bike, four intimate concerts - an immersion in the world of Bach. Treat yourself to the festival pass and experience Bach's paths in a special and unique way within a few days with the Ensemble pygmalion.

All listed dates are included in the festival pass.

# concert 1: WELT, GUTE NACHT

"Humanity does not need consolation in the form of a joke, it needs consolation that enlightens." Stig Dagerman: The need for consolation is insatiable (1952)

11 May - 6pm | ARNSTADT - Oberkirche

# concert 2: HOCHZEITSMUSIK

Just like the wedding party at the time, pygmalion will also walk from Arnstadt to Dornheim. The audience is invited to accompany the ensemble on this journey. After the short concert, everyone is invited to toast Bach's wedding with a beer and a snack. A bus will return to Arnstadt around 7 pm.

12 May - 5 pm | DORNHEIM - Kirche St. Bartholomäus

# Konzert 3: LICHT

In Form eines großen Freskos zeigt dieses Programm drei der größten Meisterwerke aus der frühen Schaffensperiode Bachs: Voller Kontraste in ihrer Sprache und Textur, entführen sie uns von der Dunkelheit ins Licht.

15. Mai - 18:00 | WEISSENSEE - St. Peter und Paul

# concert 4: MISSAE BREVES

In the Reformation's endeavour to reach as many people as possible in their own language, only the Kyrie and Gloria of the Latin Mass were still tolerated for special occasions. And so this programme presents works by Bach that seem like studies for the later great masterpieces - especially for the monumental Mass in B minor.

17 May - 6pm | ARNSTADT - Bachkirche

Supported and accompanied by

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Experience concerts at home - authentic and digital

Discover BACH FROM HOME / AT HOME

Ten places, three festivals, hundreds of artists – and a streaming platform! Together with our partners from Leipzig and Koethen, we invite you to experience our concerts also online. Bach’s music performed at the historic places of his live, available for you at home.

BACH FROM HOME / AT HOME