Spring Break
Johann is 'Bach at Leipzig'
Jenny Wittman
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: The Edge
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Western Illinois' University Theatre showcased a comedic play that poked fun at the 18th century mentality of six organists that hoped they would take over a prestigious organist post in Leipzig, Germany.
The play, "Bach at Leipzig," opened Tuesday night to a full audience.
All of the characters are named Johann or Georg and seem to believe it is their destiny to take over as the principal organist of Germany after predecessor Johann Kuhnau died in 1722.
Competition unravels as each organist auditions for the part and finds his allies are actually enemies. A central part of the story, Johann Sebastian Bach is never shown but ends up with the post.
Most of the play is fictional, but the Leipzig Council, a group of church members that decided who will be the next organist for Germany, did call on organists from around Germany to audition for the gig.
Bach did continue as the organist at the Thomaskirche church for 27 years until his death at 65.
Each character wore colonial-looking outfits with long ponytails and tights. The costumes were very precise and impressive.
Although a play from the 18th century might sound boring, each of the six competing organists shares his personal life and keeps things interesting.
Johann Friedrich Fasch (played by Nicholas Schell) is the first introduced on the stage. His monologue is a letter to his wife explaining it was his destiny to come to Leipzig because he received a letter from Kuhnau himself.
Georg Balthasar Schott (Ben Gougeon) is at the church and knows he is not the greatest organ player, but despite his playing ability, Schott feels he has to become the principal organist in fear of others changing the characterstics of German music.
Georg Lenck (Jonathan Self) is a gambler and can pick-pocket very well. The others refer to him as "too poor to afford a middle name."
Johann Martin Steindorff (Glen Wall) is a ladies man and is acquainted with many women for his pleasure.
The play, "Bach at Leipzig," opened Tuesday night to a full audience.
All of the characters are named Johann or Georg and seem to believe it is their destiny to take over as the principal organist of Germany after predecessor Johann Kuhnau died in 1722.
Competition unravels as each organist auditions for the part and finds his allies are actually enemies. A central part of the story, Johann Sebastian Bach is never shown but ends up with the post.
Most of the play is fictional, but the Leipzig Council, a group of church members that decided who will be the next organist for Germany, did call on organists from around Germany to audition for the gig.
Bach did continue as the organist at the Thomaskirche church for 27 years until his death at 65.
Each character wore colonial-looking outfits with long ponytails and tights. The costumes were very precise and impressive.
Although a play from the 18th century might sound boring, each of the six competing organists shares his personal life and keeps things interesting.
Johann Friedrich Fasch (played by Nicholas Schell) is the first introduced on the stage. His monologue is a letter to his wife explaining it was his destiny to come to Leipzig because he received a letter from Kuhnau himself.
Georg Balthasar Schott (Ben Gougeon) is at the church and knows he is not the greatest organ player, but despite his playing ability, Schott feels he has to become the principal organist in fear of others changing the characterstics of German music.
Georg Lenck (Jonathan Self) is a gambler and can pick-pocket very well. The others refer to him as "too poor to afford a middle name."
Johann Martin Steindorff (Glen Wall) is a ladies man and is acquainted with many women for his pleasure.
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