Program

Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782)

Sonata in G major for 2 keyboards Op. 15
Sonata in C major for 4 hands Op. 15
Sonata in A major for 4 hands Op. 18
Sonata in F major for 4 hands Op. 18

Sonatas by Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of J. S. Bach, also known as the London Bach, performed on historical instruments.

Fortepiano: John Broadwood & Sons, ca. 1806
Harpsichord: Anonymous, English Harpsichord, ca. 1780

Musicians

Anders Muskens and Dominika Maszczynska: fortepiano & harpsichord

Free entrance for students and staff of the University of Tübingen / Freier Eintritt für Studierende und Mitarbeiter der Universität Tübingen

During 2024-25, Tübingen-based historical keyboardist and musicological researcher Anders Muskens will be embarking on an ambitious project to perform and record the complete solo and duo keyboard works of Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782), the youngest son of the renowned Johann Sebastian Bach and a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical era: including the emergence of the nascent pianoforte. This concert is presented as part of this larger project. Johann Christian, sometimes called the “London Bach” for having settled there most of his life, may be considered to have the most unusual career out of all of the Bach sons. He departed to Italy early on to focus on opera, even converting to Catholicism, and later led ambitious entrepreneurial ventures in London. He was met with international acclaim during his lifetime across continental Europe and even the Americas.  Johann Christian’s music is heartfelt, elegant, and graceful, and his witty charm greatly inspired young Mozart.

Partnering with Polish historical keyboardist Dominika Maszczynska for duets and music for multiple keyboards, the project aims to bring renewed attention to Johann Christian Bach's keyboard repertoire, showcasing both the technical brilliance and expressive depth of these works.  Johann Christian was at the forefront of a  fascinating period, where the harpsichord and various early pianofortes co-existed. This project will explore this sound world, as the music will be recorded with an assembly of diverse, rare original instruments connected to Bach’s London. This will include harpsichords, various designs of square pianos, and an English-style grand piano, which was developed throughout the 1770’s alongside Johann Christian’s concertising activities. Through meticulous research and historically informed performance practices, we seek to capture the authenticity and spirit of the music not only through choice of instrument, but through reanimating the sentimental and vigorous energy of Bach’s creative genius.