play pause radio-play skip-back skip-forward playing search copy check embed close plus caret-down caret-left caret-right caret-up chevron-down chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up arrow-left arrow-right open-in-new-tab filter menu more-horizontal more-vertical share share-android select star star-block volume-block volume-mute-block volume-mute volume lock settings recording composition devices laptop speaker
Log inCreate account

C.P.E. Bach: "Beyond the Limits" Complete Symphonies for Strings and Continuo

3/26/2021, 21 Tracks, 1:11:11

Featuring

  • Amandine Beyer
  • Gli Incogniti
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Did you know?

1/7

Compositional Technique

The Symphonies Wq 182 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach feature astounding harmonic modulations, breaks in discourse, and alternating lyrical passages with explosive scales, creating unique music.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

Despite their success, Baron van Swieten asked Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach not to publish these symphonies, and their first complete publication was only in 1975-76.

Source: Booklet

Instruments

The harpsichord used in this recording is a German harpsichord made by Bruce Kennedy in 2002, modeled after a Christian Zell instrument from 1728.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's "Hamburg Symphonies" were commissioned by Baron Gottfried van Swieten, an Austrian nobleman and music patron, in 1773.

Source: Booklet

Critical Reception

These symphonies were premiered in Hamburg in 1774 and received excellent reviews, with Baron van Swieten regularly having them performed in Vienna.

Source: Booklet

Composer Biography

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, son of Johann Sebastian Bach, had previously complained about composing "more for the public than for himself," making these symphonies an opportunity for a more personal work.

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

Baron van Swieten explicitly requested that Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's invention should not be limited by "the difficulties that the performers might experience" when composing these symphonies.

Source: Booklet

You might also enjoy...

Bach, C.P. E. Symphonies for Strings
6 Hamburger Sinfonien, Wq. 182
C.P.E. Bach: Hamburger Sinfonien Wq182
C.P.E. Bach: Symphonies - From Berlin to Hamburg
Boyce: Symphonies Nos. 1-8
Boyce: 8 Symphonies, Op.2
Bach, C.P.E.: Hamburg Sinfonias Nos. 1 - 6, Wq. 182
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Sinfonias & Suite in G Minor & Concerto for Harpsichord in D Major
Bach, C.P.E.: 8 Symphonies; 3 Quartets; Fantasy
C. P. E. Bach: Symphonies & Cello Concerto (Alpha Collection)
©℗ 2021 harmonia mundi