About the Program
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos: Listen, Learn, Watch
Fee: $80 ($50 for each additional family member)
Four Mondays from 7:00-8:15 PM: April 27, May 4, 11, 18
Kelsey Wright Hall, Northampton Community Music Center
Register Early (limited to the first 25 participants)
Spend four weeks immersing yourself in the world of Johann Sebastian Bach and his magnificent Brandenburg Concertos. In this welcoming and engaging course, you’ll set aside four hours each week to listen, learn, and watch as we explore these extraordinary works together.
Each session combines recordings and video performances by outstanding musicians, selected by the instructor, Andrew Leonard. Along the way, Andrew will bring the story behind the music to life—including the circumstances that led to Bach’s appointment as Kapellmeister (Music Director) in Cöthen under Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen where it is believed Bach wrote this music. You’ll learn about the musical influences that shaped these works, from the vibrant Italian Baroque style of Antonio Vivaldi to the elegance of the French court under Louis XIV at Palace of Versailles. In addition, Andrew will highlight the subtle humor in this music, explain the difference between Baroque and modern instruments, and delve into the traditions of Bach’s era that shaped his composition of and instrument selection for the Brandenburg Concertos.
You’ll discover why Bach wrote the Brandenburg Concertos—and what makes them among the most inventive and beloved works in classical music.
This course is designed for curious listeners of all backgrounds. No experience playing an instrument is required, and we won’t be discussing any technical analysis of Bach’s compositional style. Whether you already love the Brandenburg Concertos or are just beginning to discover them, you’ll feel comfortable, engaged, and inspired.
This is your opportunity to relax, leave the present day and enter into Bach’s musical world.
Listen to Andrew play Bach: from his recording Music of the Ages.
Gavottes I & II: 6th Cello Suite (BWV 1012)
Andante from Violin Sonata 2 in A minor (BWV 1003)
Biography of instructor Andrew Leonard
Classical guitarist and NCMC faculty member Andrew Leonard has spent over three decades performing, teaching, and studying the music of J.S. Bach.
During the pandemic, Andrew took a graduate-level course at UMass Amherst: The Age of Bach and Handel with renowned Bach scholar Dr. Earnest May. His final project was a fundraising online presentation for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on Bach’s Brandenburg concertos. He received an A in the class. This 4-week course is an expansion of his original 90-minute presentation.
As a performer, Andrew has given solo concerts throughout the country, from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine, and to Europe. He has been called a “guitar phenomenon” by the Portland Phoenix, ME, and his playing has been referred to as “spirited and convincing” in Soundboard Magazine and “inspiring…effortless style” in Northeast Performer.
His solo recordings have received airplay on NPR affiliates throughout the country. Andrew Leonard has also performed and recorded with Grammy Award-winning acoustic fingerstyle guitarist, Doug Smith.
As an instructor, Andrew ran the guitar program at the University of Kentucky, taught at Wesleyan University the National Guitar Workshop’s Classical Guitar Summit and the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival. Andrew is the creator of several online classical guitar courses for TrueFire.com. Andrew has also received Suzuki and Childbloom training to teach young children guitar. At NCMC, he teaches Suzuki and Classical Guitar students.
Professionally, when not focusing on the guitar, Andrew is an Arts Consultant, Certified Biomechanist, and a college advisor for musicians interested in applying to college as music or non-music majors.
On May 1, Andrew will be giving a 45-minute solo concert at NCMC, including music of J.S. Bach. Tickets will be available shortly.
Faculty
Andrew Leonard