Born: 1714, Weimar, Germany

Died: 1788, Hamburg, Germany

"Nature has wisely provided music with every kind of appeal so that all might share in its enjoyment. It thus becomes the duty of the performer to satisfy, to the best of his ability, every last kind of listener."

The most famous of J.S. Bach's sons, C.P.E Bach was known throughout Europe as both a composer and a performer. He served Frederick the Great of Prussia for many years, personally accompanying that flute-playing monarch, and he wrote an influential book on playing keyboard instruments. For the last 20 years of his life he was music director for the city of Hamburg. His music - in virtually all current genres other than opera - bridged the gap between the Baroque and Classical styles with great originality.

Further listening:

Concerto in E-flat major for Harpsichord
and Piano, Wq. 479 (1788)

Robert Hill, Léon Berben, Musica Antiqua Köln,

Reinhard Goebel (DG)

Six Clavichord Sonatas,

"For Connoisseurs and Amateurs" (1765)

Colin Tilney (Doremi)

02/07