The Age of Extremes: W.F. Bach, G. Benda & C.P.E. Bach

Featuring

Francesco Corti
Il Pomo d'Oro
Georg Anton Benda
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

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Composer's Artistic Vision

The Empfindsamkeit generation prioritized personal expression, emotional instability, and rapid changes of affect, leading to unpredictable forms and sudden mood swings in their music.

Composer Biography

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the second eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, was considered the 'great Bach' by the next generation, rather than his famous father.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mid-18th century German composers, including the Bach sons and Benda brothers, aimed for originality while still being influenced by traditional learning systems.

Performer Biography

Francesco Corti, the harpsichordist, organist, and conductor on this recording, is a prizewinner at the Bach-Wettbewerb Leipzig (2006) and the Bruges Harpsichord Competition (2007).

Performer Biography

Il Pomo d'Oro, the ensemble on this recording, was founded in 2012 and is known for its historically informed performance practice, including opera, recitals with famous soloists, and instrumental projects.

Historical Context

The 'Empfindsamkeit' (sentimental style) generation, including the Bach sons, brought about an aesthetic revolution, moving away from rigid Baroque forms and paving the way for Classicism.

Interpretation

The composers of this era, including the Bach sons, published extensive treatises on musical performance, guiding both professionals (Kenner) and high-level amateurs (Liebhaber) on interpretation and embellishments.