Oratorio Society of New Jersey Pairs Two Greatest Composers of All Time

Who is the greatest classical music composer of all time? Go ahead and Google it. In almost any listing, you’re going to find either Johann Sebastian Bach or Ludwig Van Beethoven at the top of the list. That’s why the Montclair-based Oratorio Society of New Jersey (OSNJ) is thrilled to present a concert that pairs these two musical giants. OSNJ will perform Bach’s Mass in A Major and Beethoven’s Mass in C Major on Saturday, November 15 at 7:30pm at the Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave, Montclair, NJ.

Bach tops many of the lists of the greatest composers. Why? In a NY Times article on the top composers of all time, Anthony Tommassini put Bach at Number 1 “for his matchless combination of masterly musical engineering … and profound expressivity.” Bach’s appeal spans the centuries and has expanded beyond classical music into jazz and rock. In fact rock artists as diverse as Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga, and Eminem have all incorporated Bach’s compositions into their music (Classic FM). That what Bach composed in the 18th century can still be relevant and fresh in the 21st speaks to his staying power and influence and explains why some say he’s the greatest of all time.

But then there’s the Beethoven faction. You’ll find him at the top of some lists (and just behind Bach on many others). For some, it’s the sheer force of Beethoven’s personality that comes through in his music driving his appeal. Contemporary composer John Corigliano has said, “For me, Beethoven is the one composer that makes music so urgent that one is immediately drawn to it, so powerful that one can hardly resist it and yet so richly layered that one will never entirely plumb its depths. There is no one like him.” (Classical Music)

It may be fun to debate about who is the greatest, Bach or Beethoven? But it may be more rewarding simply to take the time to listen to works by both of them. And what could be better than listening to their music in a live performance by a superb group of local musicians?

Under the direction of Artistic Director Dr. Sandor Szabo, OSNJ will be joined by an orchestra and distinguished soloists including soprano Elizabeth Perryman, mezzo-soprano Eunjoo Lee-Huls, tenor Adam Croner, and baritone Edward Huls. Dr. Szabo is a well-known, highly respected and prolific musician who directs several musical groups in the New York metropolitan area’s classical music community.

The unusual pairing of these two pieces will give the audience a rare opportunity to experience both the differences between Bach’s baroque style and Beethoven’s romantic style, and their similarities. And, maybe, to ponder which composer is the top composer of all time.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door – plus OSNJ has introduced student pricing: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Doors open at 7:00pm for the 7:30pm performance – please arrive early due to General Admission seating. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Oratorio Society of New Jersey website at https://www.oratoriosocietynj.org/.

About the OSNJ

The Oratorio Society of New Jersey (OSNJ), based in Montclair, NJ, has enriched the cultural environment of the North Jersey community for more than 70 years. OSNJ’s repertoire includes classics of the Western choral tradition from the Renaissance through the 21st century. Professional soloists and instrumentalists join the volunteer choir for concerts each spring and fall.

The membership of OSNJ includes adults of all ages and of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds who come together weekly to experience the joy of singing, expand their musical knowledge, and improve their vocal technique. For more information, visit oratoriosocietynj.org.

Funding for OSNJ is made available in part by the N.J. State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs; and by the generosity of many other foundation, corporate and individual sponsors.