James Runcie: The Story of Bach's Masterpiece
Bach’s St Matthew Passion is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. But what was it like to play and sing it for the first time? James Runcie, bestselling author of The Grantchester Mysteries, talks about the research involved in writing his new novel, The Great Passion, tracking the work from composition to first performance. Today’s talk is interspersed with music from acclaimed violinist Huw Daniel of Dunedin Consort, performed on a violin from 1665.
Book Festival News
Celebrating the 2024 Book FestivalMonday 26 August
Watch more
Neil Oliver at the Edinburgh International Book Festival
Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac: How We Can Survive the Climate Crisis
Robin Robertson & Tim Robertson: Spirits of Scotland
Outriders: Harry Giles & Katherena Vermette (2017 Event)
Houzan Mahmoud: Smoke Coming From My Soul
Mohsin Hamid: What Does it Mean to Be White?
Patrick Barkham & Ed Yong: The Secret Lives of Animals
Ian Rankin: A Rebus for the Dark Times
Ekow Eshun: Africa is a State of Mind
Hans Ulrich Obrist: Art for Earth’s Sake