December 26 is celebrated as Bach Sing Day, commemorated by music lovers around the world who gather to appreciate the genius of J.S. Bach. This year, celebrations take on new forms, showcasing the indelible impact Bach has had on both musical compositions and artistic expression.
One notable project is Anna Samo's animated short film, The Wild-Tempered Clavier. The director, who found inspiration during the first wave of the pandemic, described her unique approach to animation using toilet paper, stating, "I had my inspiration during the first wave of the pandemic in New York City, and toilet paper became a valuable commodity," reported by Animation Magazine. This clever use of common household items reflects the creativity born out of challenging circumstances.
Working directly beneath the camera, Samo employed traditional animation techniques combined with modern technology, using Dragonframe software and her Nikon D800 to capture the essence of her vision. The film integrates preludes from Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier. Samo reflects, "The idea was to grow the film during the process of making it without a preconceived plan," emphasizing her commitment to authentic creativity.
The animation process was not straightforward, as Samo admits to feeling uncertain throughout the project. She detailed her experience of moving through various rolls of toilet paper, producing animations without previewing the work until complete. "Somewhere in the background the film was shaping itself in its own time," she said, highlighting the natural evolution of artistic expression.
Her film is more than just animation; it becomes quite poignant when considering the broader global scenes, touching on the themes of loss and uncertainty. "I started making the film out of the desire to play, but the world around me was getting ever gloomier," Samo recalls. Through her artistic process, she captured the essence of struggle during the pandemic and the tension of creativity juxtaposed against societal turmoil.
The director hopes audiences will relate to her work personally, adding, "I am happy the film feels fresh to me, even though I spent so much time making it." This sentiment enriches the viewing experience, inviting individual interpretation and emotional connection.
Meanwhile, Santa Fe Pro Musica has been celebrating Bach with its impressive concert series titled Bach and Beyond. The performances include two parts: the six Brandenburg Concertos representing Bach, and newer compositions from contemporary composers such as György Kurtág, Alfred Schnittke, and Gabriella Smith, embodying the 'Beyond' aspect.
Colin Jacobsen, the artistic director and violinist, leads the ensemble as they immerse audiences in the vibrancy of Bach's music. Reflecting upon the legacy of Bach's compositions, he noted, "We’re doubly fortunate to have Bach’s astonishing pieces of music today, not just because of their variety, vivacity, and quality, but because the manuscript score narrowly escaped oblivion not once, but twice." This not only speaks to the resilience of Bach's work but also its continuing relevance.
At the heart of the concert's historical foundation is Bach's dedication to Christian Ludwig, which concluded with the humble plea: "[I am] begging Your Highness most humbly not to judge their imperfections with the rigor of..." This plea for consideration underlines the vulnerability of artists even as they contribute enduring works to the canon of classical music.
The juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern during these holiday concerts shines as a beacon of how Bach's influence continues to ripple through time. The Santa Fe Pro Musica series is not just about performance; it celebrates the spirit of innovation and connection to contemporary compositions, creating dialogue across generations of music.
Whether it's through innovative animations like Samo's or live performances of Bach’s masterpieces today, the spirit of J.S. Bach remains vibrant and impactful. Each interpretation and performance pays homage to his genius, illuminating the ways his music crosses cultural and temporal boundaries.
On this Bach Sing Day, audiences worldwide can reflect on their experiences, interpret the music in their own ways, and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of history's greatest composers. Through events like these, Bach's brilliance persists, inspiring new generations of artists and audiences alike.
