There are more than 300 Bach choirs and ensembles around the world. Most of them consist of amateur singers and musicians who have made Bach their passion. The search for the fascination of Bach’s music takes us to Japan, South Africa, Paraguay, Switzerland, and the USA. Can Bach’s universe transcend borders and bring people together – regardless of their status, religion, or background?
For Jesse, a palliative care nurse from Pennsylvania, Bach’s music is therapy. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, where she sings, is the oldest Bach choir in the USA. In the sleepy town of Yamaguchi in Japan, pharmacist Kazuko and Buddhist monk Sosen sing in a very unusual ensemble that aims to inspire travelers for Bach in train stations and waiting rooms. In Paraguay, we see how Bach has influenced the music of David Portillo, one of South America’s most popular singer-songwriters. In the Swiss capital of Bern, twin sisters Annalisa and Desiree believe that Bach’s music expresses the calm and gentleness that the chaos of the world desperately needs.
Things get political in South Africa, where Thabang sings in the Johannesburg Bach Choir. In his world, racial discrimination is still a current issue. But he firmly believes that Bach’s music can overcome racial and political divides. In the finale of the film, the protagonists come together at the Leipzig Bach Festival. Along with Ton Koopman and other Bach enthusiasts, they study a cantata together.
The power of Bach’s music is evident in the stories of these individuals from different parts of the world. It goes to show that music truly knows no boundaries and has the ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. The universal appeal of Bach’s compositions is a testament to the enduring legacy of his music, which continues to inspire and bring people together in harmony. Through the lens of these individuals, we see how Bach’s music transcends cultural differences and touches the hearts of people around the globe.