Stockbridge — This year’s Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas celebration includes a performance from the Berkshire Bach Players at First Congregational Church on Saturday, December 2.
Thanks to the faithful care and affection of its residents, Stockbridge has changed little over the years. And if it is emblematic of simpler times, then the quintessential small New England town made famous by Norman Rockwell’s painting of the village during the holidays is a sight for sore eyes at the end of 2023—especially when it sparkles in Christmas finery. Anyone but a grinch would call it magical. You can enjoy that sight all month, but from December 1 through 3, the whole town celebrates, and on Sunday, the village reenacts the spirit of Norman Rockwell’s famous painting, including vintage automobiles parked in all the right places.
On the second evening of this celebration, the Berkshire Bach Players, featuring Laura Hamilton on violin, Eugene Drucker on violin and viola, Roberta Cooper on cello, and Mariken Palmboom on organ and harpsichord, will perform a program of Baroque favorites at the Congregational Church at 4 Main Street.
The group will perform the following program without intermission (about 75 minutes):
J.S. Bach
Cantata, Wachet auf, BWV 140:
(1685-1750) No. 4, Chorale, “Zion hört die Wächter singen”
Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto Grosso in G minor (The “Christmas” Concerto), Op. 6 No. 8 – I. Vivace | II. Allegro | III. Adagio-Allegro-Adagio | IV. Vivace | V. Allegro | VI. Largo
Johann Pachelbel
Canon in D Major, P 37
Jean-Marie Leclair
Sonata for Violin and Continuo in D minor, Op. 9 No. 3, Tombeau – III. Sarabande | IV. Tambourin
G.F. Handel
Serse, HWV 40, Act 1, Scene 1: Arioso. “Ombra mai fù”
J.S. Bach
Cantata, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” BWV 147:
No. 10. Chorale, “Jesus bleibet meine Freude”
G.P. Telemann
Scherzo in A Major, TWV 42:A1 – I. Allegro | II. Moderato | III. Allegro
J.S. Bach
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068 – II. Air
Four Traditional Carols:
“Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” (c. 1599)
“In dulci jubilo” (c. 1328)
“Veni, veni, Emmanuel” (c. 1300)
“What Child Is This?” (c. 1580)
At this point in the program, the group will transition into holiday sing-along mode:
“Adeste fideles” | “O, come all ye faithful”
Music and text by John Francis Wade (1743)
“The First Nowell”
Music by John Stainer | Text by William Sandys and Davies Gilbert (1823)
“Joy to the World”
Music by Isaac Watts, arr. by Lowell Mason | Text by Isaac Watts (1719)
“Hallelujah!”
Music by G.F. Handel (1741) | Text by Charles Jennens
The Berkshire Bach Society is the oldest continuing member-based non-profit music organization in Berkshire County. It specializes in live performances of works from J.S. Bach and his mentors, peers, offspring, and followers. Programs range from solo recitals and chamber music to choral and orchestral works.
Hear the Berkshire Bach Players at First Congregational Church, 4 Main Street, Stockbridge, on Saturday, December 2, from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. General admission seating. Church opens at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 available through the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce.
