|
|
Partner
Bach-Archiv & Bachfest Leipzig
Calendar of the Competition
March 31, 2025
Online Registration and Video Submission Deadline
April 20, 2025
Announcement of Selected Finalists
July 25, 2025
Finalist Concert & Competition (with a live audience) in Kuala Lumpur at International Bachfest Malaysia 2025
Online Registration and Video Submission Deadline
April 20, 2025
Announcement of Selected Finalists
July 25, 2025
Finalist Concert & Competition (with a live audience) in Kuala Lumpur at International Bachfest Malaysia 2025
Eligibility
The Southeast Asia Bach Competition is open to musicians of Southeast Asian nationalities born after July 25, 1992.
Application
- Applications Open from now until March 31, 2025 (11:59pm Malaysia Time)
- A non-refundable application fee of MYR 650 (for Malaysians) or USD 150 (for international applicants) is required.
- Payments must be made online (please refer to the application form)
- Applicants must complete the online application through the provided application form and submit all the required documents.
- Rights: Bachfest Malaysia reserves the rights to record or broadcast all rounds (both preliminary and final).
- Agreement: By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to accept all terms and conditions of the competition. Any violation of the competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification.
- Jury Decisions: All decisions made by the jury are final and cannot be appealed.
Accomodation and Travel Arrangements
- All finalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements in Kuala Lumpur.
- We will provide more information about our partner hotel(s) in April.
Prizes and Engagements
- First Prize: Three first prize winners from each category (Vocal, Piano, and Strings) will each receive RM 5,000 (approximately USD 1,100).
- Finalist Award: All other finalists will receive a finalist award of RM 1,000 (approximately USD 220).
- Grand Prize:
|
All finalists will receive a special festival pass, granting them access to all events at the International Bachfest Malaysia 2025.
Competition Repertoire
PIANO
First Round
12-15 minutes, all from memory.
i) One Prelude & Fugue from WTC 1 & 2 BWV 846-893 or any two Sinfonias from BWV 787-801
and
ii) Movements from French Suites BWV 812-817; English Suites BWV 806-811 or Partitas BWV 825-830
Final Round
Select from one of the following, and perform from memory.
i) French Overture in B minor, BWV 831
ii) Free selections of Preludes & Fugues WTC 1&2, BWV 846-893 (15-25mins)
iii) One complete English Suite from BWV 806-811
iv) One complete Partita from BWV 825-830
v) Chromatic Fantasie & Fugue in D minor BWV 903 and one Toccata from BWV 910-916
vi) Italian Concerto BWV 971 and one Toccata from BWV 910-916
STRINGS (VIOLIN / CELLO)
First Round
Performing from memory is not required.
Violin
Select one of the following.
i) Adagio and Fugue from Sonata G minor, BWV 1001
ii) Grave and Fugue from Sonata A minor, BWV 1003
Cello
Movements of your choice from either one the following, 12-15 minutes
i) Suite in G major, BWV 1007
ii) Suite D minor, BWV 1008
iii) Suite C major, BWV 1009
Final Round
Performing from memory is encouraged but not required.
Violin
Select one of the following
i) Partita D minor, BWV 1004 (complete)
ii) Violin Sonata no. 3 in C major, BWV 1005 (complete)
Cello
Select one of the following
i) Suite in Eb major, BWV 1010
ii) Suite in C minor, BWV 1011
iii) Suite in D major, BWV 1012
VOCAL
First round
Select three arias from the following list within your voice category, with a total duration of 12–15 minutes. You may use original instrumentation, piano accompaniment, or a combination of both. Recordings without accompaniment are not acceptable. Singing from memory is not required for the first round.
Soprano:
“Erfüllet, ihr himmlischen, göttlichen Flammen” from Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1
“Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke” from Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11
“Seufzer, Tränen, Kummer, Not” from Ich hatte viel Berkümmernis, BWV 21
“Höchster, mache deine Güte” from Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51
“Öffne, dich mein ganzes Herze” from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61
“Ich esse mit Freuden” from Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84
“Aus Liebe” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Ich folge dir gleichfalls” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Alto (Mezzo-soprano/Countertenor):
“Ein ungefärbt Gemüte” from Ein ungefärbt Gemüte, BWV 24
“Kommt, ihr angefochtnen Sünder” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Wer Gott bekennt” from Es ist dir gesagt, Mensch, was gut ist, BWV 45
“Meine Seele, auf!” from Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69
“Nichts kann mich erretten” from Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74
“Weh der Seele” from Herr, deine Augen, BWV 102
“Erbarme dich” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Von den Stricken meiner Sünden” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Tenor:
“Des Vaters Stimme liess sich hören” from Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 7
“Was willst du dich, mein Geist” from Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8
“Sei getreu, alle Pein” from Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, BWV 12
“Die Liebe zieht” from Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36
“Lobe den Herren, der deinen Stand sichtbar gesegnet” from Lobe den Herren, BWV 137
“Ich halte meinem Jesum feste” from Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157
“Geduld” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Ach, mein Sinn” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Baritone/Bass:
“An irdische Schätze das Herze” from Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26
“Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen “ from Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen, BWV 49
“Endlich” from Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, BWV 56
“Seligster Erquickungstag” from Wachet, betet, betet, wachet, BWV 70
“Nun, du wirst” from Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78
“Ich habe genug” from Ich habe genug, BWV 82
“Mache dich, mein Herze, rein” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Eilt, eilt” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Final round
Please select three arias suited to your voice part, preferably with contrasting tempos and styles. These arias will serve as your repertoire for the live performance in Kuala Lumpur with the Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra if you advance to the final round. Please note that the orchestra will perform at modern pitch (A=440). Performing from memory is encouraged but not required.
Soprano:
“Eilt, ihr Stunden, kommt herbei” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen” from Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen, BWV 32
“Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen” from Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51
“Ich bin vergnügt” from Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84
“Gottes Engel weichen nie” from Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg, BWV 149
“Hilf, Gott, dass es uns gelingt” from Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest, BWV 194
“Tief gebückt” from Mein Herze schwimmt in Blut, BWV 199
Alto (Mezzo-soprano/Countertenor):
“Geist und Seele” from Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35
“Gott hat alles wohlgemacht” from Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35
“Ach schläfrige Seele, wie? ruhest du noch?” from Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, BWV 115
“Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille” from Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120
"Getrost!" from Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133
“Man nehme sich in acht” from Wo gehest du hin?, BWV 166
“Stirb in mir, Welt und alle deine Liebe” from Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169
“Vergnügte Ruh” from Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170
Tenor:
“Bleibt, ihr Engel, bleibt bei mir!” from Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 19
“So schnell ein rauschend Wasser” from Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26
“Kommt, eilet, stimmet Sait und Lieder” from Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74
“Die schäumenden Wellen von Belials Bächen” from Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen, BWV 81
“Eile, Herz, voll Freudigkeit” from Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde, BWV 83
“Ich traue seiner Gnaden” from In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97
“Wie zweifelhaftig” from Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben, BWV 109
“Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben” from Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 (Part 4)
Baritone/Bass
“Doch weichet, ihr tollen” from Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8
“Gelobet sei Gott, gelobet sein Name” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen” from Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, BWV 56
“Streite, siege, starker Held!” from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62
“Schweig, aufgetürmtes Meer” from Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen, BWV 81
“Ich freude mich” from Ich habe genug, BWV 82
“Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort” from Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort, BWV 168
“Auf Gott steht meine Zuversicht” from Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz, BWV 138
First Round
12-15 minutes, all from memory.
i) One Prelude & Fugue from WTC 1 & 2 BWV 846-893 or any two Sinfonias from BWV 787-801
and
ii) Movements from French Suites BWV 812-817; English Suites BWV 806-811 or Partitas BWV 825-830
Final Round
Select from one of the following, and perform from memory.
i) French Overture in B minor, BWV 831
ii) Free selections of Preludes & Fugues WTC 1&2, BWV 846-893 (15-25mins)
iii) One complete English Suite from BWV 806-811
iv) One complete Partita from BWV 825-830
v) Chromatic Fantasie & Fugue in D minor BWV 903 and one Toccata from BWV 910-916
vi) Italian Concerto BWV 971 and one Toccata from BWV 910-916
STRINGS (VIOLIN / CELLO)
First Round
Performing from memory is not required.
Violin
Select one of the following.
i) Adagio and Fugue from Sonata G minor, BWV 1001
ii) Grave and Fugue from Sonata A minor, BWV 1003
Cello
Movements of your choice from either one the following, 12-15 minutes
i) Suite in G major, BWV 1007
ii) Suite D minor, BWV 1008
iii) Suite C major, BWV 1009
Final Round
Performing from memory is encouraged but not required.
Violin
Select one of the following
i) Partita D minor, BWV 1004 (complete)
ii) Violin Sonata no. 3 in C major, BWV 1005 (complete)
Cello
Select one of the following
i) Suite in Eb major, BWV 1010
ii) Suite in C minor, BWV 1011
iii) Suite in D major, BWV 1012
VOCAL
First round
Select three arias from the following list within your voice category, with a total duration of 12–15 minutes. You may use original instrumentation, piano accompaniment, or a combination of both. Recordings without accompaniment are not acceptable. Singing from memory is not required for the first round.
Soprano:
“Erfüllet, ihr himmlischen, göttlichen Flammen” from Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1
“Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke” from Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11
“Seufzer, Tränen, Kummer, Not” from Ich hatte viel Berkümmernis, BWV 21
“Höchster, mache deine Güte” from Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51
“Öffne, dich mein ganzes Herze” from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61
“Ich esse mit Freuden” from Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84
“Aus Liebe” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Ich folge dir gleichfalls” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Alto (Mezzo-soprano/Countertenor):
“Ein ungefärbt Gemüte” from Ein ungefärbt Gemüte, BWV 24
“Kommt, ihr angefochtnen Sünder” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Wer Gott bekennt” from Es ist dir gesagt, Mensch, was gut ist, BWV 45
“Meine Seele, auf!” from Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69
“Nichts kann mich erretten” from Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74
“Weh der Seele” from Herr, deine Augen, BWV 102
“Erbarme dich” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Von den Stricken meiner Sünden” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Tenor:
“Des Vaters Stimme liess sich hören” from Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 7
“Was willst du dich, mein Geist” from Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8
“Sei getreu, alle Pein” from Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, BWV 12
“Die Liebe zieht” from Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36
“Lobe den Herren, der deinen Stand sichtbar gesegnet” from Lobe den Herren, BWV 137
“Ich halte meinem Jesum feste” from Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157
“Geduld” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Ach, mein Sinn” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Baritone/Bass:
“An irdische Schätze das Herze” from Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26
“Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen “ from Ich geh und suche mit Verlangen, BWV 49
“Endlich” from Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, BWV 56
“Seligster Erquickungstag” from Wachet, betet, betet, wachet, BWV 70
“Nun, du wirst” from Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78
“Ich habe genug” from Ich habe genug, BWV 82
“Mache dich, mein Herze, rein” from St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
“Eilt, eilt” from St. John Passion, BWV 245
Final round
Please select three arias suited to your voice part, preferably with contrasting tempos and styles. These arias will serve as your repertoire for the live performance in Kuala Lumpur with the Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra if you advance to the final round. Please note that the orchestra will perform at modern pitch (A=440). Performing from memory is encouraged but not required.
Soprano:
“Eilt, ihr Stunden, kommt herbei” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen” from Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen, BWV 32
“Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen” from Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51
“Ich bin vergnügt” from Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke, BWV 84
“Gottes Engel weichen nie” from Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg, BWV 149
“Hilf, Gott, dass es uns gelingt” from Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest, BWV 194
“Tief gebückt” from Mein Herze schwimmt in Blut, BWV 199
Alto (Mezzo-soprano/Countertenor):
“Geist und Seele” from Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35
“Gott hat alles wohlgemacht” from Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35
“Ach schläfrige Seele, wie? ruhest du noch?” from Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, BWV 115
“Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille” from Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120
"Getrost!" from Ich freue mich in dir, BWV 133
“Man nehme sich in acht” from Wo gehest du hin?, BWV 166
“Stirb in mir, Welt und alle deine Liebe” from Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169
“Vergnügte Ruh” from Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170
Tenor:
“Bleibt, ihr Engel, bleibt bei mir!” from Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 19
“So schnell ein rauschend Wasser” from Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26
“Kommt, eilet, stimmet Sait und Lieder” from Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten, BWV 74
“Die schäumenden Wellen von Belials Bächen” from Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen, BWV 81
“Eile, Herz, voll Freudigkeit” from Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde, BWV 83
“Ich traue seiner Gnaden” from In allen meinen Taten, BWV 97
“Wie zweifelhaftig” from Ich glaube, lieber Herr, hilf meinem Unglauben, BWV 109
“Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben” from Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 (Part 4)
Baritone/Bass
“Doch weichet, ihr tollen” from Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben, BWV 8
“Gelobet sei Gott, gelobet sein Name” from Freue dich, erlöste Schar, BWV 30
“Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen” from Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen, BWV 56
“Streite, siege, starker Held!” from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62
“Schweig, aufgetürmtes Meer” from Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen, BWV 81
“Ich freude mich” from Ich habe genug, BWV 82
“Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort” from Tue Rechnung! Donnerwort, BWV 168
“Auf Gott steht meine Zuversicht” from Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz, BWV 138
Video Recording Guidelines for Preliminary Round
General Remarks
Technical Requirements
- No Editing: Submitted audio or video recordings must not be edited in any way. Editing is defined as any alteration of the recorded performance from the first to the last note of each piece. However, trimming the start (before the music begins) or the end (after the music concludes) is allowed.
- Recording Individual Pieces: Individual pieces may be recorded separately, and must be combined into a single video file before submission.
- Single Camera Angle: The video must be recorded using a single, uninterrupted camera angle. Zooming, panning, or cuts are not allowed.
- Audio Settings:
- Volume automation is strictly prohibited.
- Disable auto-gain features on your recording device to ensure an accurate dynamic representation of your performance.
- File Naming: Name the video file with your full name.
- Visibility of Performer:
- The performer’s entire body and face must remain fully visible throughout the performance at all times.
- For pianist, position the camera at a side angle to ensure that your hands on the keyboard, face, and feet (including pedal use) are clearly visible throughout the performance.
- For string players, position the camera in front of you, ensuring that both your hands and bow remain fully within the frame at all times.
- For singers, ensure that your accompanist(s) are also fully visible in the video at all times.
- Bachfest Malaysia Logo:
- Print the Bachfest Malaysia 10th Anniversary logo (provided on the application form) and place it visibly on the music stand or near the piano throughout the recording.
- The logo must be present in the recording and cannot be added through editing.
- Videos without the visible logo will not be accepted.
- Prohibited Edits:
- Pitch correction or any form of audio spectral editing will result in disqualification.
Technical Requirements
- Recording Quality:
- Use a recording device that ensures good audio and video quality.
- Video cameras and mobile phone cameras are permitted as long as the performer is clearly recognisable.
- Audio Capture:
- Mobile phone microphones and sound recording devices are allowed, but they must capture ambient sound from a fixed position.
- Performance with Accompanists (for singers):
- Singers must perform with their accompanist(s) in the same recording. Separate recordings for singers and accompanists are not allowed.
- Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are prohibited.
- Sound Track Restrictions:
- The sound track must not be altered, and no effects, such as reverberation, are permitted.
- Fixed Camera Position:
- Ensure the recording device is stationary and appropriately distanced to capture both audio and video clearly. Test the setup before the final recording.
- Video Format:
- Record the video in landscape (horizontal) orientation.
- Submission Process:
- Upload your video to Google Drive or YouTube (as Unlisted) and provide the link in the application form.
- Ensure that all pieces are combined into one single video file before submission.
- Double-check the sharing settings to confirm the link works for third-party viewers.
- Video Length:
- Refer to the individual category guidelines for the minimum and maximum video durations.
