Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (C.P.E. Bach), an 'older' composer on this album, aimed to make instruments 'speak' with suddenly changing emotions, an experimental approach that influenced later generations.
Historical Context
The album explores the transition from the Baroque era to a new compositional style in the mid-18th century, as seen in the works of composers like Rousseau, Geminiani, the Bach sons, Haydn, and Mozart.
Critical Reception
Mozart reportedly said of C.P.E. Bach: 'He is the father; we are the boys. For those of us who can, we have learned from him... but with what he does, we can't do anything further: how he does it is unsurpassable.'
Instruments
Céline Frisch performs on a harpsichord made in 2013 by Christoph Kern, modeled after a Michael Mietke instrument from 1710.
Instruments
Alexander Melnikov performs on a fortepiano made in 2007 by Christoph Kern, modeled after an Anton Walter instrument from 1795.
Composer Biography
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the 'young' composer on this album, was considered a model of artistic perfection, gifted with an unequalled talent and capable of great musical extravagance.
Compositional Technique
C.P.E. Bach's instrumental music features melodic passages interrupted by pauses, musical exclamations, and dramatic runs, a technique that moves away from Baroque theory of affects.
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Mozart: Symphony No. 39, K. 543, Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466 & Divertimento No. 15, K. 287
