Bach and Beyond

What happens when genius runs in the family?

Led by Bojan Čičić, a leading light in historical performance and founder of the Illyria Consort, the players of Sinfonia Smith Square trace a thrilling arc from Johann Sebastian’s explosive 'Sinfonia in D major' through the bold inventions of his sons, Wilhelm Friedemann and Johann Christian, and onwards to Haydn’s radiant 'Sinfonia Concertante'.

Čičić brings these works to life with precision and flair, tracing not only their contrasts but their kinship. Wilhelm Friedemann channels his father’s clarity and intensity into startling harmonic twists; Johann Christian responds with something more graceful. Haydn, who knew both sons and admired their work, draws from their example – as he forges a new path of his own.

Programme:
J. S. Bach - Sinfonia in D major
W. F. Bach - Sinfonia for strings in F major “Dissonant”
J. C. Bach - Sinfonie Concertante in E-flat major
Josef Haydn - Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat major

Čičić has mastered the illusion of musician as conduit. The music just seems to pour out of him, and his playing conveys that he has to do very little to make it work so well. Yet Čičić is doing plenty. His excellent and always stylish ornamentation is the most obvious evidence of this.
- Gramophone Magazine