The fortepiano, a new type of instrument invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori, was already widely used by the 1770s and is chosen for the continuo in the symphonies on this album.
Composer Biography
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, son of Johann Sebastian Bach, was considered one of the greatest composers of the 18th century, with his fame surpassing his father's during his lifetime.
Recording & Production
During the recording sessions, Alexei Lubimov spontaneously played one of the fortepianos for Johann Christian Bach's Symphony for Double Orchestra, as he happened to be present.
Cultural Impact
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn both acknowledged Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's significant influence on their own music, with Mozart calling him 'the father' and Haydn stating he owed him much.
Compositional Technique
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's double concerto features an unusual symphonic structure and length for its time, with the tutti sections dramatically interrupting the solo parts.
Performer Biography
Alexei Lubimov, one of the pianists on this recording, was prevented from leaving the Soviet Union for many years due to his commitment to Western music, leading him to focus on period instruments.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's music, especially his slow movements, was considered revolutionary by his contemporaries due to its innovative formal and motivic elements and highly personal expressive power.
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