J.C. BACH: Manifestation of Mastery: Sonatas Op.5 Vol.1 [CD de audio] Bart van Oort and J.S.Bach

The genius of Johann Sebastian Bach often overshadows the achievements of his four prodigiously gifted sons, all of whom played a crucial role in the advancement of music during the 18th century. Johann Christian, the younger, was indeed one of the most important composers of his time, his move to Italy in 1755 precipitating a notable change in style, known as galante, which looked towards the soon-to-emerge classical period. In 1762 the composer moved to London, where he soon acquired the title of English Bach. Among his admirers was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who studied and later arranged a number of works by the German master. Something of a keyboard virtuoso, JC Bach was the first to champion the new fortepiano in concert, and his set of Six Sonatas Op.5 (1766) - the subject of this attractive version - was the first publication to mention the fortepiano so much. like the harpsichord as interpretation options on the cover. Clearly, the composer wanted to showcase his multifaceted abilities in the opus; The works not only grow in scope as the collection progresses, but also display the widest range of manners and compositional characters. From the gallantly singing style of the first numbers to the great baroque fugue of the last sonata, oriented towards France - a clear allusion to the past, but a modern version in view of the countless double thirds in the right hand - this collection is full of virtuosity, composure and bravery, a set truly worthy of a composer who would later become music teacher to the English royal family. On hand to perform this enchanting collection is one of today's leading fortepianists, renowned Dutch keyboardist Bart van Oort. The set is a welcome follow-up to van Oort's previous recording for Brilliant Classics , Mozarts Complete Keyboard Music (BC94198), giving voice to a composer who was instrumental in bringing the fortepiano to public attention. More from JC Bach is also in the Brilliant Classics pipeline, with van Oort's recording of Six Sonatas Op.17 scheduled for release in February 2014.