Not Just a Musical Icon

The story of J.S. Bach’s legendary trek, documented in the obituary written by his son C.P.E. Bach, has been shared in musical form by Tom Allen and Lori Gemmell for over forty performances across Canada over the years, each featuring a unique lineup of local artists. To piece the story together, Allen and Gemmell prompt each performer for a piece they already have that has an emotional quality to it (“something angry”, for example) to help highlight Bach’s moods during his journey.  

“It’s different every time,” says Gemmell with a smile. “Everybody brings their own flavour and their own personality, and that shapes the story each time.” 

The flavours are widely varied with the addition of pop vocalists like Diaphanie in conjunction with the classical collaborators one might expect to hear playing Bach. Gemmell explains that this approach brings people closer to the idea that Bach was an actual person, not just a musical icon revered more than 275 years after his passing. “I just more and more see Bach as a person, somebody who developed over time and learned all the hard lessons like we all have to learn.” 

- Nolan Kehler, Classic 107 Radio

Read the whole article at Celebrated broadcaster brings chamber musical to Manitoba - Classic107: Winnipeg's only dedicated classical and jazz radio station.

Interview with Tom Allen and Lori Gemmell below. Read more about the musicians and get your tickets at J.S. Bach's Long Walk in the Snow | Wmcwpg.