Geoffrey Thomas

Mr Thomas makes J. S. Bach come alive through the ‘medium’ of this one-man show in which he plays the part of … Carl Philipp Emanuel.

What ensues is a fascinating combination of theatre and live music in which C. P. E. shares his thoughts with the audience, as we are told of the “conflicts” between father and son - the grief, the sorrow, the anguish. In addition, there is the musical element - and here, we are treated to Mr Thomas’ masterful command of the fortepiano.

Mr Thomas’ play is well crafted, witty, instructive - and above all, fun!

Edinburghguide.com

The World According to Bach

Musicians Geoffrey Thomas (fortepiano) who also plays the character of C. P. E. Bach
Reviewer Nick Scott

There are some musicians who are principally performers. There are those who make better educators. But few musicians can combine the two as successfully as Geoffrey Thomas.

Mr. Thomas makes J. S. Bach come alive through the ‘medium’of this one-man show in which he plays the part of Bach’s third son, Carl Philipp Emanuel. Using just enough props to set the scene- C. P. E. Bach’s Hamburg home in the year 1780 - we are given the opportunity to enter into the “period” and spend an hour or so in his presence.

C. P. E. would dearly love to tell you about himself (after all, he is Europe’s greatest keyboard player); but he concedes that we have really come to hear about his father, the great Johann Sebastian Bach

What ensues is a fascinating combination of theatre and live music in which C. P. E. shares his thoughts with the audience, as we are told of the “conflicts” between father and son - the grief, the sorrow, the anguish. There are “lighter” touches as well, such as when C.P.E. shares some of his father’s eccentricities. In addition, there is the musical element - and here, we are treated to Mr Thomas’ masterful command of the fortepiano These “interludes” (sometimes used to emphasise a point; and at other times used to demonstrate a musical detail) are all an integral part of the play.

Mr Thomas’ play is well-crafted, witty, instructive - and above all, fun!

A refreshing and remarkable insight into the life of J. S. Bach - the “real” man. Thanks to Mr Thomas, my knowledge of Bach has been widened. Geoffrey Thomas has a rare gift for communication and the audience lapped it up! If you enjoy good music, The World According to Bach is a must - don’t miss it!

Run 6-14 August (18.15) Published on www.edinburghguide.com.