CPE Bach: Symphonies (Wq 182, 183); Cello Concertos (Wq 170-172) /Bylsma * OAE * Leonhardt

The other Bach

The musical genius of the Bach family continues to astonish me. While I am already familiar with the patriarch Johann Sebastian and his youngest son Johann Christian (the English Bach), this very affordable two disc set was my first foray into the career of CPE Bach. I initally heard an excerpt of this recording on the radio in Massachusetts, and quickly added it to my collection. It features some very thoughtful and inspiring music. The symphonies are great fun, but even more commendable are these vibrant versions of CPE Bach's cello concertos performed with the rich, full tone of a cello built in 1695! Truly wonderful-a fine example of period performances at their very best. This first-rate recording offers a perfect way to introduce yourself to another member of the Bach family who made a brilliant contribution to classical music. July 6, 2007

Excellent Recording of a Talented Composer's Works

C.P.E. Bach was one of the most famous and talented composers of the 18th century. He tends to be obscured in the shadows of his famous predecessor, J.S. Bach, his father, and of his famous successors, Haydn and Mozart. However, C.P.E. Bach was a composer of significant talent in his own right, influenced by his father, but with his own individual style, and important enough as a composer in his time to influence others, notably Haydn and Mozart, who both admired his music.

This CD is an excellent recording of some of C.P.E. Bach's work. The melodies and harmonies are inventive, the largo and adagio movements are quite beautiful, and the allegro movements are bright, lively, engaging, and often have a strong rhythmic energy that makes them an absolute pleasure to listen to. I particularly enjoyed the Cello Concertos, listening to them several times when I first bought this CD. Anner Bylsma is an outstanding cello soloist.

The orchestra, under Gustav Leonhardt, gives a first-rate performance. The sound quality is crystal clear, with an excellent balance between the cello soloist and the orchestra in the three cello concertos. The CD insert has an interesting and well-written essay about the life of C.P.E. Bach and these works. Also, the price of this excellent 2-CD set is very reasonable. Highly recommended. December 20, 2005

Reminiscent of Boccherini's Cello Concertos/Symphonies

The Virgin 'Veritas' label has released some excellent recordings (Vivaldi's Opus 3 and 9, for instance), and this double-disc issue of C.P.E's symphonies/cello concertos is no exception. [...] these discs sound absolutely fantastic!

C.P.E. Bach, probably J.S. Bach's best-known son, composed a number of great works, some of which are featured on this release. Born in 1714, C.P.E Bach's compositions served as a musical bridge between the late Baroque and Classical periods (he was a contemporary of Vivaldi, Mozart, and Haydn).

Both of C.P.E.'s cello concertos and symphonies remind me of those composed by Boccherini (another first-rate -- if often neglected -- 18th century composer). Just as Boccherini's works have been overshadowed by Mozart's works and life, C.P.E. Bach's elegant symphonies and beautiful concertos sometimes get lost in his father's prodigious output. Fortunately, labels like Virgin, Hyperion, and Denon have attempted to fill the gap by issuing their works on disc.

[...] this 2-disc set is unbeatable. But I recommend listening to Bach's better-known works first (like the Brandenburg Concertos, Violin concertos, etc.) before tackling his son's compositions (if only to appreciate 1) how C.P.E was influenced by his father, and 2) how his works reflect both late Baroque and Classical influences). February 11, 2002

Something for everyone, and Leonhardt too

There is enough action in these pieces to appeal to lovers of Romantic music, enough fluid melody and evenness of structure to appeal to lovers of the Baroque, and enough plain musical pleasure to be had for anyone willing to take C.P.E. Bach on his own merits. The symphonies are quirky, dramatic, sometimes even a bit bizarre, and yet balanced; the cello concerti have that quality of galant-mixed-with-disquiet that pops up often in the works of C.P.E. The musicians are as tasteful and in command as Leonhardt is himself when alone at the keyboard. A great value! June 13, 2001

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