Customer Reviews

Johann Christian Bach: Piano Sonatas, Op. 17

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Johann Christian Bachs op 17 sonatas were written considerably later than the op 5 and therefore display a more mature style. The op 5 published for harpdichord or fortepiano were keen to dazilingly exploit the possibilities of the the new piano, the op 17 were written when the piano was more comfortably established (Broadwood was now producing pianos almost exclusively the last harpsichord being produced in 1783), and therefore do not strive to employ such fantastic devices such as extreme contrasts of dynamics and orchestral effects as their predecessors. These sonatas fully equal in content to Mozart and Haydn's early sonatas are true not proto-classical sonatas and approach in a more subdued manner the characteristics of the piano. Less fun than the op 5 theese sonatas are nevertheless an important manifestation of the Style Gallant/Classical school and are astutely played with relish. If these sonatas are of interest it is desirable to purchase the henle edition of them as they are realatively simple to perform as are the op 5.

This is beautiful music, great fun to discover and experience ! Expertly performed in moving interpretation. Recommended buy !