J.S. Bach's Virtual Concert in Leipzig's Bach Archive
Step into a Baroque Time machine with "Bach live in Concert" - an immersive AR experience! Get ready to mingle with Johann Sebastian Bach starting January 13th as the Bach Festival, themed "Transformation," kicks off.
Emerges from the Artwork: Johann Sebastian Bach
Let's take a look at how this AR concert came to be, and what makes it a unique journey into the world of one of the most significant composers of all time.
The Making of "Bach Live in Concert"
- Ideation: Michael Mau, Bach Festival Director, dreamt of Johann Sebastian Bach stepping out of the Haussmann portrait to perform a live concert. With the help of Ovrlab, his vision became a reality.
- Technical Implementation: Developing an augmented reality film required painstaking efforts. Nils Niemann, a specialist in Baroque theater, provided acting movements for the avatar, while Martin Seifert, from the Berliner Ensemble, voiced the character in a Thuringian dialect. Alexander von Heißen played the harpsichord for the musical parts.
- Scriptwriting: Crafting a script that depicts Bach not only as a genius but also a complex individual was essential to Michael Maul. The dialogue is historically accurate and aims to portray Bach as a passionate and fierce musician.
The Virtual Bach: An Unforgettable Experience
The performance takes place in the Sommeraal of the Bosehaus, a fitting location as Bach, the Thomaskantor, is said to have visited the hall himself. The Bach avatar chats with the audience, shares anecdotes from his life, plays music, and even takes a pinch of snuff!
It's not just a performance; it becomes an interactive experience that invites viewers to engage with the content. Almost making you forget you're interacting with a hologram, the avatar's movements appear natural, and its eye contact can give you goosebumps.
However, the experience is not perfect. The avatar's movements can seem a tad jerky, and its mouth may move woodenly when singing, much like a marionette. But considering the technological pioneering achievement, those minor imperfections are easily forgivable.
The Future of the Virtual Bach
The virtual Bach's debut performance will endure for about 50 minutes, a duration that might feel long when donning AR glasses. But shorter versions are promised, making this extraordinary experience accessible to a broader audience.
From January 13th, the Bach concert is showcased during the Leipzig Bach Festival, both in German and English. The performances are already sold out, and from January 24th, the project will be regularly available at the Bach Archive in Leipzig. Future plans include taking the "reanimation" of Johann Sebastian Bach on tour, making his virtual concert accessible worldwide.
So, cross your fingers - there's a chance we might get to experience a virtual Bach concert near us someday!
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More about Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach Festival Leipzig: How Johann Sebastian Bach is portrayed in filmBach Festival Leipzig: How Johann Sebastian Bach is portrayed in film
Johann Sebastian Bach remains one of the most famous composers globally, 270 years after his death. Explore this remarkable person whose music continues to captivate millions.
Podcast: The Bach Channel with Maul and Schrammek
For a deeper dive into the world of Bach, check out "The Bach Channel" podcast, where Michael Maul and Bernhard Schrammek analyze Bach's entire work up-to-date with the latest research.
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our website CULTURE - The Radio | 04. June 2025 | 06:30 AM
[Footnote on the enrichment data: The given examples are not related to the specific "Bach live in Concert" AR film mentioned in the article but rather serve as general examples of augmented reality concerts and where to enjoy similar experiences.]
Movies-and-tv and entertainment enthusiasts might find the intersection of tech and culture captivating, as seen in the "Bach Live in Concert" AR experience. This immersive event offers a glimpse into a completely new form of entertainment interaction, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
