London's cultural life in the 18th century saw a boom in theatres and concert halls, catering to a new middle class interested in artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Interpretation
Sophie Yates, the performer, enjoys playing late 18th-century music on the harpsichord because she feels it better showcases the freshness and originality of the musical ideas.
Critical Reception
According to Charles Burney's 'A General History of Music', Johann Christian Bach's pianoforte compositions were generally considered easy enough for ladies to play, with allegros resembling bravura songs.
Composer Biography
Johann Christian Bach received much of his early training from his brother Carl Philipp Emanuel, not his famous father, and synthesized influences from Italy and the Mannheim school.
Cultural Impact
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart admired Johann Christian Bach's keyboard writing and taught, recommended, and even arranged Bach's Opus 5 sonatas with his own cadenzas.
Composer Biography
Johann Christian Bach, drawn by London's cultural boom, was appointed musical director of the Italian Opera at the King's Theatre and music master to Queen Charlotte in 1760.
Composition History
Johann Christian Bach, along with his compatriot Karl Abel (a viol-player and composer), established the first public subscription concert series in London.
You might also enjoy...
C.P.E. Bach: The Solo Keyboard Music, Vol. 37
Storace: Una Sera Siciliana
Krebs: Keyboard Works, Vol. 3
J.S. Bach: French Suite No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 813: III. Sarabande
Bach, J.C.: Berlin Harpsichord Concertos (The), Vol. 2
Bach, J.C.: Berlin Harpsichord Concertos (The), Vol. 1
C.P.E. Bach: Solo Keyboard Music, Vol. 40
Bach, J.C.: 6 Harpsichord Concertos, Op. 1
Generations
Froberger: The Strasbourg Manuscript
W.F. Bach: Keyboard Works, Vol. 5
C.P.E. Bach: The Solo Keyboard Music, Vol. 39
Keyboard Variations
Bach: The Work for Organ & Harpsichord, Chapter II - 1. Sopra un tema di Albinoni
