One of the least known of J.S. Bach’s musically talented children, J.C.F. Bach (1732-95) composed 20 symphonies that we know of, eight of which survive. Nos. 6 and 10 are early works, dating from the late 1760s or thereabouts, while the rest are late pieces. Accordingly, Nos. 6 and 10 have three pithy movements each, and minimal woodwinds. No. 20, in contrast, has four movements and a full wind complement including clarinets. The music has great charm, and in No. 20 the handling of the wind parts is arrestingly original.
The performances are splendid. Morten Schuldt-Jensen opts for a harpsichord continuo in the early works, but wisely omits it in Symphony No. 20. The playing is obviously “period aware” without making a fetish of it. It helps that the musicians come from the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and so offer performances in which cultured musicianship never compromises the music’s freshness and charm. The sonics are also very good: warm, well balanced, and wholly winning. A fine release. [1/18/2011]
