BACH J. C.: Piano sonatas op.17

Hoeren, Harald

CPO 999788

Johann Christian is the only "gallant" composer among the Bach sons in the narrower sense of the word. His music is social art, always entertaining, yet of high beauty controlled by sure taste. His piano music, with regard to the abilities of the aficionados, renounces virtuoso difficulties, but not finely toned, brilliant piano sound; it demands from the player fluency, delicacy and tone culture.
This is - for once - not original tone Schmilgun, but original tone Reclams Klaviermusikführer. The characterization fits so wonderfully to the 6 Sonatas op. 17, which Harald Hoeren has now re-recorded on a historical fortepiano for cpo, that it may take up so much space here.
This cycle, first published in 1774 (at that time, by the way, under the opus number 12), contains two of Johann Christian's most beautiful and demanding sonatas ever: No. 2 in C minor, about whose finale the Reclam says: the most ingenious piece of the work, in whose chasing twelve-four time already Schubert's romantic restlessness resounds, and No. 6 in B flat major, which is the only one of all Bach sonatas that requires an instrument with five octaves. Like the Fesca: light music at the highest level, fitting for the summer..

Works:

•Bach, J C: Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 17 No. 4
•Bach, J C: Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 17 No. 5
•Bach, J C: Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 17 No. 6 in B flat major
•Bach, J C: Six Sonatas Op. 17

CD x 1

CPO

09.11.01

761203978823