BHS and BCS: The Maverick Bachs

 

In collaboration with the British Harpsichord Society and British Clavichord Society, Steven Devine (harpsichord) explores two of JS Bach’s composer sons: CPE and WF Bach

Description

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Steven Devine (harpsichord) explores the extraordinary ways in which two of JS Bach’s sons, Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann, explored the expressive and virtuosic capabilities not just of the instruments, but also of the players. The astonishing, boundary-breaking lively music contrasts with searching slower movements, pushing the boundaries of harmonic invention way ahead of accepted practice or even, in a number of cases, accepted ‘good taste’.

Different styles of the composers’ output are explored here; the classical simplicity of WF Bach’s Sonata in D is a long way away from his restless and uncomfortable Fantasia in C Minor. CPE Bach’s Sturm und Drang A minor sonata is played alongside his lively Solfeggio-style C Major Sonata.

The two staples of the Bach domestic keyboard inventory – the harpsichord and clavichord – are heard in as perfect a space as it is possible to find allowing an intimate peep into the Bachs’ maverick minds.

Programme
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Sonata No.1 in C major Wq 55/1 (Kenner und Liebhaber)
Prestissimo, Andante, Allegretto

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784)
Fantasia in C minor Fk.15

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Sonata No.1 in A minor Wq 49/1 (Würrtemberg)
Moderato, Andante, Allegro Assai

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784)
Sonata in D major Fk 3
Un poco Allegro, Adagio, Vivace