Sep 28, 2021
If you have a deep love of classical music (especially Baroque), then join this lively and affectionate conversation with Jeffrey Thomas, the musical director of American Bach Soloists. Jeffrey has led over 25 cantata recordings with ABS, a group dedicated to producing historically informed performances. Today, Jeffrey shares his journey from singer to conductor and his passion for guiding young musicians into musical careers.
What You Hear/Learn/Discover
[3:21] Jeffrey talks about his job as conductor of American Bach Soloists.
[07:31] Jeffrey explains how his past as a performer helps him be a better conductor.
[10:08] Mag and Jeffrey discuss the collaboration between orchestra musicians.
[14:31] Jeffrey explains why American Bach Soloists use authentic, early instruments.
[20:15] Learn about the religious meaning behind Bach’s music.
[24:18] Jeffrey explains how Bach always stayed true to his musical style.
[26:52] Jeffrey shares the sense of solace he gets from listening to Bach.
[30:02] Mag and Jeffrey debate whether classical music will endure.
[35:58] They discuss how music has the power to transport you to a different place and time.
[40:21] Jeffrey and Mag discuss the commonality that connects us all and how the pandemic emphasized that connection.
Quotes
“You don't need to understand it [music]. It's just lovely to listen to. It can be freeing. It can be inspiring...It can be evocative and generate emotions, you know, on a moment's notice. It’s amazing how many people will be moved to tears by a certain combination of notes and not have any idea why that happened.”
“And so the way that music can just suddenly take someone out of their thoughts at the moment, out of their realities, and suddenly just pull them into something very, very different – that's very powerful.”
“I was drawn backward in time to try to imagine what it was like when people heard these words for the first time or heard these works of music for the first time. And that kind of got me interested in the historical aspect of arts.”
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