Classical Music - J C Bach

Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of Johann Sebastian, is often referred to as ‘the London Bach’ because he spent much of his working life in the capital, where he composed prolifically. His small but important keyboard output was conceived with the newly developed ‘square’ piano in mind, of which he was an enthusiastic advocate.The last English Passage concert in the present series will be given by the musician and broadcaster David Owen Norris and includes works by JC Bach, and his protégé Wolfgang Mozart, written specifically for and played on this instrument. An original 1770 square piano is being brought to Lewes for the concert.

“I’m a firm believer that music should be played, as far as possible, within the parameters of the time of its composition,” says Paul Simmonds, who is organising the concert. “It adds something to the music which enhances it. The square piano had a hand-stop (the equivalent of the piano pedal) and Bach intended sections of his music to be played with the dampers off. When you hear it as it was intended to be heard, you suddenly realise what an amazing composer he was.” Tickets for the concert are scarce, so if you’re interested, our advice is toget in there fast. It sounds like you won’t be disappointed.AG