November 17, 2023 -2

Dear Nathaniel,

In the context of reading about Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel who was a prolific 18th Century composer, who was an acquaintance and perhaps a friend of J.S. Bach, I learned what I should have suspected, that at the weekly religious concerts to which he was obligated, Bach performed not only his own works but also those of other composers, specifically on one series of occasions, a whole cycle of Stölzel's church cantatas.

I mention this because it offers an unexpected perspective on musicology, as a history not only of musical compositions but also as a history of musical performances, of public concerts. If I am correct that this facet of musicology has been neglected, expertise developed in it by yourself might reveal itself as an avenue to academic music, if that's where you wanted to go.  I think also that concert programs offered by you, replicating historical concerts given, e.g. by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Beethoven, Mozart, Händel, Haydn, Bach ... might attract unexpectly large, enthusiastic and loyal audiences. 

Please let me know if there is any way in which you would like me to help you.

Love, Jochen