The Score

The latest political thriller from Oliver Cotton, set in Prussia in 1747, which explores the dangerous differences between famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach and Prussia's leader, Frederick II just before the Age of Enlightenment.

…one moment there’s nothing. Then there’s something. Your mind's blank - then there’s an idea. From second to second. There it is, the germ of your cantata, your chorale, your partita. Out of the void. Out of nothing - to something. In a millionth of a second. A divine spark!

Spring 1747. Potsdam, Prussia. Johann Sebastian Bach reluctantly visits the court of Frederick II, Europe's most ambitious and dangerous leader.

The two men could hardly be more different. As the Age of Enlightenment dawns, they stand in opposite camps. Bach is deeply religious, Frederick is an athiest. Bach loathes war, Frederick revels in it. Bach studies scripture, Frederick reads military history. However, Frederick remains in awe of Bach's genius and has mischievously prepared a musical conundrum that he hopes will baffle the composer and amuse his court.

The explosive events of the following days could not have been predicted by either man.

This edition was published to coincide with the West End production in February 2025.

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