J.B. Bach: Ouvertures

Featuring

François Joubert-Caillet
L’Achéron
Johann Bernhard Bach

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Johann Bernhard Bach, described as a 'true painter in sound,' created vivid country scenes and evoked specific emotions and situations in each movement of his Ouvertures.

Compositional Technique

The use of French titles for movements like 'Les Plaisirs' or 'Joye' in these Ouvertures reflects the influence of early 18th-century French musical practices and the association of the French language with elegance and aristocracy in Germany at the time.

Interpretation

The Achéron ensemble expanded to an orchestral size for this recording, aiming for artistic and sonic realism, and used varied and characteristic instrumentations to reflect Johann Bernhard Bach's intentions.

Composition History

Copies of three of Johann Bernhard Bach's Ouvertures (D major, G major, and G minor) were found among the effects of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach's second son, suggesting they were used for Collegium Musicum performances around 1729-1730.

Composer Biography

Johann Bernhard Bach (1676-1749) was the second cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach's father and served as a chamber musician and organist in Eisenach.

Composition History

Only a small number of Johann Bernhard Bach's compositions have survived, including three chaconnes for harpsichord, several organ chorales, and the four Ouvertures featured on this recording.

Compositional Technique

Johann Bernhard Bach's Ouvertures are a German creation that combines elements typical of French music, such as the Lully-style ouverture and various French dance movements.