Music and Vinyl: C.P.E. Bach - Symphonies for Strings 1-3

Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) was the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach.

There were many column inches written about CPE in 2014 (his tercentenary) including this one, noting the off-quoted remark from Mozart that "Bach is the father, we are the children" - the Bach in question being CPE rather than "old Sebastian". Surprising as it may seem, CPE's reputation had eclipsed that of his father, his musical style more "advanced" and unpredictable - a bridge between Baroque and Classical sensibilities.

Conductor Roger Norrington has said: "Though his music is hardly ever done now, there is little doubt that Emanuel is the best of the Bach sons. More tongue-in-cheek and heart-on-sleeve than his father, there's a wonderful feeling of openness to his music that you rarely find in baroque music. It's more reminiscent of Lully and Couperin".

Avant garde, eccentric, a maniac, wild and adventurous are some descriptions of CPE Bach and his music, and the Six Symphonies for Strings on this splendid record from Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert give an insight into his world. The first three Symphonies are played in the video. As always, more information can be had from the sleeve note scan below. Classic FM's website has this useful "pocket guide" to CPE Bach's life in pictures.