Bach’s Mass in B minor

Leeds Minster

JS Bach’s monumental Mass in B minor was last performed here on this solemn day in 2008. The conductor, then as now, was Simon Lindley, director of music at Leeds Minster (formerly Leeds Parish Church) since 1976. Dr Lindley well understands the complex structure of this Mass, reckoned by some scholars to be the greatest single musical work – period.

Lindley has a natural sense of tempo and flow. His ability to generate what at times seemed unstoppable rhythmic energy, combined with transparent instrumental and vocal textures, were the outstanding qualities of this performance.

The optimum scale of the forces of around 70 singers and instrumentalists created a well-nourished but always crisp and incisive sound. St Peter’s Singers – the principals from each section shared the solos – and the National Festival Orchestra together conveyed the grandeur of the opening Kyrie and the radiance of the Sanctus. This was lifted on high by the tonal splendour of the Minster’s grand organ played by David Houlder. The bass solo Quoniam was sung with great expression by Quentin Brown and accompanied by the dark sonorities of solo horn, obbligato bassoons and continuo. I have to say that the attack of the voices in the ensuing section of the Gloria almost lifted me out of my pew.

Bach’s rich instrumental scoring of Et incarnus est was delicately played by the National Festival Orchestra. Sombre descending phrases of the Crucifixus were delivered by the choir with soul-piercing intensity. The glorious Osanna in excelsis embellished with trumpets and drums made the eyes prick. Lucy Potter’s plangent solo which opened the Agnus Dei led into the impeccably balanced Dona nobis pacem for full choir, orchestra and organ – a heavenly conclusion to this great work.

Geoffrey Mogridge