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A Very Remarkable and Famous Man

Donald Macleod explores CPE Bach's skill in writing and marketing music for the emerging middle class in Hamburg.

A Very Remarkable and Famous Man

Times were changing during the second half of the 18th century. A whole new group of people emerged - the middle class. They wanted to be entertained and to acquire the accomplishments of the gentry - playing the harpsichord and the like. For several centuries beforehand music had revolved around the church and the aristocracy, but no more. Composers had to take note of their new audience and CPE Bach immediately recognised the opportunities of a city full of amateur musicians. As he put it to a colleague, "in works that are intended for general consumption, be less abstruse and put in more sugar". Donald Macleod tells the story of CPE Bach's commercial success.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 27 May 2011 18:00

Music Played

  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    12 short pieces for flute and harpsichord: Nos.1-2

    Performer: Nancy Hadden (flute), Elizabeth Walker (flute), Lucy Carolan (harpsichord)

    • ASV CDGAU161.
    • 16.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Rondo in C minor

    Performer: Inger Grudin-Brandt (fortepiano)

    • BIS CD142.
    • 3.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Symphony for strings in E Wq182 no.6

    Performer: Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Stefan Mai (conductor)

    • Harmonia Mundi HMC901622.
    • 13 to 15.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Quartet in G Wq95

    Performer: Wilbert Hazelzet (flute), Wiel Peeters (viola), Richte van der Meer (cello), Ton Koopman (harpsichord)

    • PHILIPS 4166152.
    • 10 to 12.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Double Concerto for harpsichord, fortepiano and orchestra in E flat Wq47

    Performer: Eric Lynn Kelley (harpsichord), Jos van Immerseel (fortepiano), Collegium Aureum

    • Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 05472774102.
    • 1 to 3.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 27 May 2011 12:00
  • Fri 27 May 2011 18:00

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