Wilhelm Friedmann Bach: Claviermusik, Vol. 1 (2010)

Although the music of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach straddles the Baroque and Classical periods, his keyboard works are more frequently performed on the harpsichord rather than on a fortepiano or modern piano. Compared to the contemporary music of Haydn, Mozart, and even C.P.E. Bach, there is something old-fashioned about W.F.'s compositions that suit the older instrument. Léon Berben's first volume of W.F. Bach's keyboard music contains several premiere recordings that clearly demonstrate those qualities. The selections span ... Read More

Although the music of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach straddles the Baroque and Classical periods, his keyboard works are more frequently performed on the harpsichord rather than on a fortepiano or modern piano. Compared to the contemporary music of Haydn, Mozart, and even C.P.E. Bach, there is something old-fashioned about W.F.'s compositions that suit the older instrument. Léon Berben's first volume of W.F. Bach's keyboard music contains several premiere recordings that clearly demonstrate those qualities. The selections span Bach's entire career as a composer, but they all seem to sit more comfortably toward the Baroque era. They are highly ornamented and use forms that J.S. Bach would have recognized, for example the Menuett with its variations or the solo concerto. The Overture in E flat really harkens back to earlier times and sounds. Even the sonatas have a stateliness to them that is given added elegance by the instrument Berben is using. He has a facility with the music and instrument that at times... Read Less