Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the composer, was officially engaged as a member of the royal musical establishment in 1741, having served as Frederick the Great's accompanist since 1738.
Interpretation
The performer, Miklós Spányi, plays the fantasia sections with lifted dampers, following C.P.E. Bach's instructions for free fantasias on the pianoforte.
Historical Context
The works on this album were written during a period of growth for the Prussian state and its capital, Berlin, under King Friedrich II (Frederick the Great).
Instruments
The fortepiano played an important role in the musical life of Frederick the Great's court after Gottfried Silbermann presented one of his new fortepianos to the king in 1746.
Composition History
All the works on this disc are World Premiere Recordings, meaning they are being recorded for the first time.
Performer Biography
Miklós Spányi, the performer, has concentrated his work as a performer and researcher on the oeuvre of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach for several years.
Compositional Technique
The sonatas on this album incorporate elements of the fantasia genre, featuring long, sweeping roulades and rhythmic vagaries that create an improvisatory character.
