About this Event
Bach in the Sky with Diamonds
This concert brings together the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, iconic Beatles melodies, and pieces by jazz legends Bill Evans and Hiromi Uehara. Masterminded by distinguished pianist and composer Alexandra Papastefanou, these unique arrangements also feature custom contributions from acclaimed pianist, composer and writer Jed Distler, drawing on his deep roots in contemporary music and jazz.
Each work frames J.S. Bach at either its opening or its conclusion, allowing the great Cantor’s music to coexist, overlap, and evolve alongside modern themes through variations, contrapuntal treatment or free improvisation. The result is a harmonious polyphony of styles spanning three centuries of music into a single, timeless musical experience that showcases the eternal adaptability of Bach's genius.
Programme
“Liverpool Overture”, Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach. Arr.: Jed Distler
“Von Gott will ich nicht lassen” J.S. Bach BWV 658 – “Michelle” Lennon/McCartney. Arr.: Samuel Feinberg, Alexandra Papastefanou
“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Lois V Vierk” (inspired by “She Loves You”). Arr.: Jed Distler, solo
“The Fool on the Hill” Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach Prelude in D major BWV, Fugue in B minor BWV 869. Arr.: Alexandra Papastefanou, solo
“She’s Leaving Home” Lennon/McCartney – Leo Brouwer & J.S. Bach. Arr.: Jed Distler
“Eleanor Rigby” Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach Prelude E minor BWV 855. Arr.: Alexandra Papastefanou
“And I Love Her” Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach Prelude in B minor BWV 869. Arr.: Alexandra Papastefanou
“I Will” Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach Prelude in B major BWV 868. Arr.: Alexandra Papastefanou, solo
“Fantasy” Frederic Rzewski (inspired by “Give Peace a Chance”). Arr.: Jed Distler, solo
“I Want Ludwig” Contrapunctus XIV from The Art of Fugue: J.S. Bach meets “I Want You” (She’s So Heavy) Lennon/McCartney. Arr.: Jed Distler
“Penny Lane” Lennon/McCartney – J.S. Bach Preludes in D major & D minor, BWV 850 & 851. Arr.: Alexandra Papastefanou
“Liverpool Coda” Lennon/McCartney. Arr.: Jed Distler (in the style of Bill Evan’s, “Peace Piece” improvisation)
Event venue & nearby stays
Jacqueline du Pré Music Building (St Hilda's College, Oxford University), Edward Boyle Auditorium,, Oxford, United Kingdom
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