Johann Christian Bach: Concerti

�� the FBO duly demonstrate their passionate ensemble-playing and urgent tone in the overture to the opera Il tutore e la pupilla� with fizzing tremolandi in the opening movement and healthy weight given to the more shapely melodic lines of the central Andante. The same goes for the other symphonies on offer; there is nothing wispy and wan here.� --Gramophone Magazine, May 2008

In the 1770s Johann Christian Bach may have been among the most successful and prosperous musicians in all of Europe. In the 18th century the youngest son of Bach was regarded as the most famous and successful members of the Bach family. However, it appears his reputation faded even during his lifetime � today he is known by many only as a forerunner of Mozart. The new recording of five of his orchestral works, a sequel in the Carus CD series with instrumental music of Bach�s sons, shows that his music has been unjustly forgotten and that definitely it breathes its own independent spirit. Similar to Mozart, the �Milan Bach,� later known as the �London Bach� knew how to pour his varied musical experiences into his works and thus achieve his own unique style. Johann Christian Bach preferred colorful instrumentation in his compositions and he experimented with different solo instruments. His works are characterized by noble elegance and the cantabile style of the Italian opera aria.

Later generations of musicians accused Bach of making composition too easy. The present recording shows most clearly that on this CD every piece is an inspired, original work of great music. These are brilliant pieces that showcase the musical trademarks of the Freiburger Barockorchester �outstanding artistic level of performance, joy in experimentation, and a passion for playing � which here are once again realized to the highest degree.