Music of the 18th century. In this episode of Roaming the Baroque, we focus on a group of composers who, though shaped by the Baroque tradition, were clearly moving towards a new musical era. We are referring to J.P. Kirnberger, G.A. Benda, C.P.E. Bach and C. Nichelmann.
Johann Philipp Kirnberger, Georg Anton Benda, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Christoph Nichelmann were born in the first half of the 18th century. They were educated according to the Baroque tradition, but then chose to move towards the more expressive, emotive language of the Empfindsamer Stil. This style, with its emphasis on emotional intensity and unexpected turns, formed a bridge to the Sturm und Drang movement and early Classicism.
In this episode, we will hear how these four composers, each from their own background, contributed to a stylistic shift that permanently transformed the musical landscape of the 18th century.
Playlist
- Georg Anton Benda (1722-1795) – Symphony No. 1 in D major
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro di molto
Capella Jenensis conducted by Claudia Mende
(CD label: Accentus No. ACC30665) - Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) – Fantasia No. 2 for piano, Wq 59/6
Alexei Lubimov, tangent piano
(CD label: ECM No. 2112) - Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Hamburg Symphony No. 2 in B‑Flat Major
I. Allegro di molto
II. Poco adagio
III. Presto
Arte dei Suonatori conducted by Marcin Świątkiewicz
(CD label: BIS No. 2459) - Johann Philipp Kirnberger (1721-1783) – Trio Sonata in D minor
I. Andante
II. Allegro
III. Presto
Ensemble Diderot conducted by Johannes Pramsohler
(CD label: Audax No. ADX13726) - Christoph Nichelmann (1717-1762) – Harpsichord Concerto in D minor
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
Philippe Grisvard, harpsichord / Ensemble Diderot conducted by Johannes Pramsohler
(CD label: Audax No. ADX11211)
Addition:
- Princess Anna Amalia of Prussia (1723-1787) – Fugue in D major
Ensemble Diderot conducted by Johannes Pramsohler
(CD label: Audax No. ADX13726)
