The eldest son of J.S. Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach was renowned for his skills as an improviser and organist. Despite his formidable promise, W.F. Bach never attained acclaim or financial security comparable to his father or his illustrious brothers C.P.E. Bach and J.C. Bach.
W.F. Bach’s music retains some of his father’s rigor while flirting with the more fashionable Empfindsamkeit, or “hyper-expressive style.” The latter is characterized by a light, transparent texture, distinct from the dense weave of J.S. Bach’s counterpoint. This clearer surface allows the affect of the music to vary capriciously. The outer movements of this beautiful Sonata often take fanciful digressions, demanding flexibility and acuity from the performers. The intervening Siciliano, on the other hand, is placid and untroubled, suggesting a pastoral scene.Sarah Frisof
Classical Music | Music for Flute
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
Sonata No. 1 in E minor, BR WRF B 17 Play
Recorded on 04/27/2016, uploaded on 01/12/2017
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The eldest son of J.S. Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach was renowned for his skills as an improviser and organist. Despite his formidable promise, W.F. Bach never attained acclaim or financial security comparable to his father or his illustrious brothers C.P.E. Bach and J.C. Bach.
W.F. Bach’s music retains some of his father’s rigor while flirting with the more fashionable Empfindsamkeit, or “hyper-expressive style.” The latter is characterized by a light, transparent texture, distinct from the dense weave of J.S. Bach’s counterpoint. This clearer surface allows the affect of the music to vary capriciously. The outer movements of this beautiful Sonata often take fanciful digressions, demanding flexibility and acuity from the performers. The intervening Siciliano, on the other hand, is placid and untroubled, suggesting a pastoral scene. Sarah Frisof
More music by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
Fantasia for Harpsichord in C minor, F 15
Concerto for two harpsichords in E-flat Major
Harpsichord Concerto in F minor
Duets for 2 Violas no. 2 in G major, F 61
Duets for 2 Violas no. 3 in G minor, F 62
Duets for 2 Violas no. 1 in C major, F 60
Performances by same musician(s)
Canzone
Chansons de Bilitis, selections
Suite Paysanne Hongroise
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
Courtesy of International Music Foundation.