A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bach Society

by Charles Mackeson

BACH SOCIETY, THE. This society was instituted in London in 1849, and its primary objects are stated in the prospectus to be—(1) the collection of the musical compositions of J. S. Bach, either printed or in MS., and of all works relating to him, his family, or his music; and (2) the furtherance and promotion of a general acquaintance with his music by its public performance. The original committee of management consisted of the late Sir W. S. Bennett (chairman), Messrs. R. Barnett, G. Cooper, F. R. Cox, J. H. B. Dando, W. Dorrell, W. H. Holmes, E. J. Hopkins, C. E. Horsley, John Hullah, H. J. Lincoln, O. May, and H. Smart, with Sir G. Smart and Mr. Cipriani Potter as auditors, and Dr. Charles Steggall as hon. secretary. Under the auspices of the society the first performance in England of the 'Passion according to St. Matthew' (Grosse Passions-Musik) took place at the Hanover Square Rooms on April 6, 1854, Dr. Bennett conducting. The principal vocalists were Mme. Ferrari, Misses B. Street, Dolby, Dianelli, and Freeman, and Messrs. Allen, Walworth, W. Bolton, and Signor Ferrari. Mr. W. Thomas was principal violin, Mr. Grattan Cooke first oboe, and Mr. E. J. Hopkins was at the organ, the new instrument by Gray and Davison being used on this occasion for the first time. The English version of the words was by Miss Helen F. H. Johnston. A second performance was given at St. Martin's Hall on March 23, 1858, Dr. Bennett again conducting. The audience on this occasion included the late Prince Consort. On June 21, 1859, the Society gave a performance of miscellaneous works by Bach, including the Concerto in C minor for two pianofortes, the Chaconne for violin (by Herr Joachim), and the Solo Fugue for pianoforte in D. The concert of 1860, on July 24, included the first eleven movements from the Mass in B minor. Three years later, on June 13, 1861, the Society gave the first performance in England of 'The Christmas Oratorio' (Weihnachts-Oratorium) also under Sir W. S. Bennett's direction. The Society was dissolved on March 21, 1870, when the library was handed over to the Royal Academy of Music.

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