Johann Sebastian Bach was an extraordinary musician that inspired many other infamous musicians, including the likes of Beethoven and Mozart. Today he continues to inspire other talented artists who find enlightenment in reproducing his work. One of these talented musicians is Carsten Schmidt; Carsten also happens to be the Artistic Director of the Staunton Music Festival. Not only is Schmidt the Artistic Director, but he is also scheduled to perform on the harpsichord to the tune of Toccatas and French Suites, Part II, at Staunton Music Festival’s next concert.
November 11, 2012 @ 3 pm
Toccatas and French Suites- Part II
What is a Harpsichord?
A harpsichord is basically what used to be our modern day piano, it looks nearly the same with a very similar format of pressed keys and a plunking-type sound, but it produces the sound by plucking the strings. Although the harpsichord is no fancy Grand Piano, when played properly, these plunks become beautiful melodies. Just as Bach made them out to be, so too does Carsten Schmidt. Enjoy the sounds of Bach just as they were originally heard on a harpsichord.
Of course, you can always hear the sounds of a harpsichord on a recording but they say nothing is like hearing it in real life. Early music is so important because it represents how we got to where we are today—drifting back to our roots is always enlightening and such a treat, especially in terms of a period artist so prolific as Bach.
About the Performer
Carsten Schmidt is a highly accomplished man with many titles under his belt. Not only does he perform on the harpsichord, he is a conductor and also plays the more modern version of the piano. With booked Performances all over North America, Europe, and Asia, this musician is worth seeing.
Especially if you happened to see Part I of Toccatas and French Suites back in May, you can’t miss this opportunity to see Part II. Even if you missed the first show, this viewing is guaranteed to delight just as thoroughly, as music needs no prelude to be astounding. How Schmidt has time to do it all, no one knows, but he is also a Professor of Music at New York’s Sarah Lawrence College.
This event will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, to order tickets visit the official webpage here.