Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach wrote keyboard music that keeps the contrapuntal craft of his father while sounding freer and more improvisatory. His polonaises and the Concerto for two fortepianos stand among the most personal works of the Bach sons.
Of J. S. Bach’s composer sons he stayed closest to learned counterpoint, yet the writing has an individual, improvisatory edge rather than courtly polish. The Twelve Polonaises move between measured dance character and sudden harmonic turns. The Concerto in F major for two unaccompanied fortepianos (Fk 10) treats the instruments as equal partners in brilliant, often dazzling dialogue. Fugues, fantasias, flute duets and church cantatas complete a catalogue shaped more by virtuoso invention than by easy fashion.
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach is featured on the following titles
W. F. Bach & J. G. Müthel: Complete Works for Two Fortepianos
Fortepianists Geoffrey Lancaster and James Huntingford join forces on a landmark Australian early-instrument recording: the complete works for two fortepianos by W. F. Bach and J. G. Müthel, played with rare virtuosity and stylistic insight.
Harpsichord Recital
In the mid-1990s Nicholas Parle was living and working in Europe from financial necessity, but returned each year to perform and record in Australia. This was his first CD for Tall Poppies, a popular selection of favourite harpsichord works.