Biography
The Oxford Bach Soloists (OBS) is a Baroque ensemble directed by Steven Grahl and founded in 2017 by Tom Hammond-Davies. OBS originally set out to perform the complete vocal works of J.S. Bach over 12 years in chronological order. Over the past decade it has become much more, bringing world-class performances of Bach’s music, as well as that of his contemporaries, to Oxford, London, New York, and beyond. OBS also provides promising young musicians with an essential stepping-stone into the professional world through our scholarship schemes.
Programme
J.S. Bach’s ‘English’ Suites BWV 806-811 are believed to be his earliest suites for keyboard, likely composed during his time in Weimar. Despite their French style, one possible explanation for their ‘English’ title is the inspiration Bach drew from the keyboard works of French composer Charles Dieupart, who lived in London. Ultimately, these virtuosic suites abound with lively Baroque dances and showcase Bach’s exceptional talent for keyboard writing.
This six-part series from the Oxford Bach Soloists will feature harpsichord performances from our Artistic Director, Steven Grahl, and our co-principal keyboardists, Anhad Arora and Dónal McCann. Each concert will also include vocal works by J.S. Bach and his contemporaries.