The clavichord used for this recording is a replica of an instrument by Christian Gottlob Hubert, a famous 18th-century clavichord builder known for his slender, flexible, and rich-sounding instruments.
Performer Biography
Miklós Spányi, the performer on this album, has won first prizes at international harpsichord competitions in Nantes (1984) and Paris (1987) and is preparing a complete edition of C.P.E. Bach's keyboard works.
Compositional Technique
Despite being intended for amateurs, the 'Damensonaten' feature polished and sophisticated elements, sometimes requiring more proficiency than their name implies.
Recording & Production
The clavichord is an extremely soft instrument, and listeners are kindly requested to listen at a reduced volume level when playing this recording to appreciate its nuances.
Composition History
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach composed all six of the 'Damensonaten' (Sonatas for Harpsichord for the Use of Ladies) between 1765 and 1766, likely with a single purpose in mind.
Cultural Impact
The 'Damensonaten' were intended for a broad clientele of amateur female keyboard players, reflecting a period when playing keyboard instruments enhanced prospects for a good marriage.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 'Damensonaten' anticipate a stylistic transformation in Bach's keyboard output, characterized by extremely songful, cantabile writing and more compact forms, which became evident in his later 'Kenner und Liebhaber' sets.
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