Five times Bach

A metaphorical journey through the Bach family home, opening with the well-known and cheerful Prelude and Fugue in G major by Johann Sebastian Bach. His Preludes and Fugues form a cornerstone of keyboard literature and symbolise the tradition on which his sons built their own technique and musicality, perfecting, among other things, the art of counterpoint.

Next, the listener encounters Empfindsamkeit – the sensitive, expressive style represented in the programme by Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philipp Emanuel. Short and simple in form yet highly expressive, WF Bach’s Polonaises employ refined ornaments meticulously described by CPE Bach in his Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments and surprise with harmonies full of suspense.

The Fantasia in A minor takes us through a wide range of emotional states in a short span – from pride and excitement to resignation and disappointment. Its declamatory character evokes the recitative-like passages of his father’s fantasies.

Carl Philipp Emanuel’s Sonata in F major, equally expressive in style, often includes an almost absurd humour that was far ahead of its time. The playful, deceptive effects in CPE’s music can be compared only to certain devices used later by Haydn or Beethoven.

Moving into a more 'salon' style, we encounter Johann Christoph Friedrich’s music through his Variations on Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star). This music is light and enjoyable, exploring a variety of forms and types of keyboard texture.

The concert concludes with Johann Christian’s Sonata in C Minor. The so-called 'London Bach' was the first to give a public piano concert in 1768. The sonata combines salon elegance with turbulent virtuosity.

Programme:
Johann Sebastian Bach Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 884
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Polonaises F.12: D Minor | E flat Minor | F Minor
Fantaisia in A minor, F. 23
Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach Sonata in F major Wq. 53/6
Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach Variations on 'Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman'
Johann Christian Bach Sonata in C minor op. 17 no. 2

Baroquestock Pantry will be serving homemade focaccia, biscuits and drinks before and after the concert!