The Dresden Connection

Stacked with a panoply of talent assembled Galácticos-style from across Europe, the orchestra at the Saxon court in Dresden garnered an exceptional reputation.

From afar, Vivaldi, Zelenka, Heinichen, and W.F. Bach all dedicated significant works to this extraordinary group of players, writing music that demanded fiendish flair and heartbreaking tenderness.

It’s no surprise that Johann Sebastian Bach also looked enviously across from nearby Leipzig, always hoping to land a big job in Dresden and visiting often with his son W.F. in tow. While he never managed to secure the move, his various attempts produced six of his most beloved and exceptional works – the Brandenburg concertos.

Johanna Soller, Artistic Leader of the Netherlands Bach Society, makes her debut to take us on a tour of just some of these baroque riches.