The Leipzig Bach Festival has conducted a major poll to determine Johann Sebastian Bach's most beloved cantatas. Over 7,000 Bach fans from 20 countries cast their votes, with the top 50 to be performed at this year's festival from June 11 to 21.

Artistic director Michael Maul revealed that the top 10 were not the most grandiose or loud cantatas, but rather quiet, contemplative pieces dealing with existential questions. This, he said, reflects Bach's relevance today.

The festival coincides with an exhibition 'Bach Festivals: A Phenomenon' at the Bachhaus in Eisenach. Museum director Jörg Hansen identified 82 regular Bach festivals worldwide. The most prolific is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which has hosted 118 festivals since 1912.

The youngest festival was founded 10 years ago in Jerusalem. The largest outside Germany are in Malaysia and Oregon. The exhibition features historical programs, photos, autographs, and 58 contemporary posters.

This year's festival theme is 'In Dialogue,' with Iranian-American harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani as artist-in-residence. He is recording Bach's complete harpsichord works. Deutsche Welle will record the June 11 concert for its DW Classical Music YouTube channel.

Source: www.dw.com