It Could Have Been a Stellar Moment

A fictional encounter between Bach and Handel. A sparkling clash of different approaches to life and music. Witty dialogues, fascinating historical details, and contemporary reflections on the paradoxes of success and fame. And of course, the immortal compositions of both masters.

Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel never met. They were brought together in a play by German publicist and dramatist Paul Barz. The fictional meeting takes place in Leipzig in 1747, three years before Bach's death - at a moment when the once-unrecognized composer and obscure cantor of St. Thomas Church receives the recognition he sought his entire life.

Bach cannot eat oysters, but plays the organ brilliantly. Handel lives in the fortress of his fame, wealthy, but not like Bach. Bach envies his success, Handel envies his talent - and also a certain freedom, because fame has its price. Bach is Handel's guest, and over luxurious dishes they engage in a sharp, timeless dialogue about the meaning of life and art, about what success is and what price it carries. All the while, their immortal compositions resound.