By the late 1740s, music critics considered Emanuel Bach a composer whose music was worthy of the most refined connoisseurs, despite its challenging nature.
Interpretation
The performer, Miklós Spányi, chose the tangent piano for this recording because he believes it serves Emanuel Bach's music excellently, especially for pieces he found problematic on the harpsichord.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Emanuel Bach saw himself as more than a royal accompanist, composing 20 keyboard concertos, a symphony, Lieder, and over 30 keyboard sonatas during his first decade in service.
Cultural Impact
Emanuel Bach's Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments, published in 1753, launched his wider European fame.
Composer Biography
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, son of Johann Sebastian Bach, began his career as a virtually unknown young musician in 1738, working for Friedrich, crown prince of Prussia (later Frederick the Great).
Instruments
This recording features a tangent piano, a unique instrument that combines sonic characteristics of both the harpsichord and the fortepiano.
Recording & Production
This album is part of a 19-disc series presenting all of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's compositions for solo keyboard and orchestra, totaling 52 concertos and 12 sonatinas.
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