C.P.E Bach: Six Concertos Wq43

transcribed for 2 harpsichords by Johann Gottlieb Hausstädler

- Transcription has always been a widespread musical practice, following the desire to arrange pieces originally written for a larger instrumental ensemble for an instrument like the organ or harpsichord or, later, the piano. This new recording presents the transcriptions for two solo harpsichords of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Concertos for Harpsichord and Orchestra Wq43, published by the author in Hamburg in 1772 at his own expense. The transcriber however was not the composer himself, but Johann Gottlieb Haußstädler, active as a copyist at the court in Dresden.

- The Harpsichord Concertos Wq43 firmly established Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the most famous son of Johann Sebastian, as a highly original innovator of the concerto genre, introducing daring features like abrupt transitions, virtuoso cadenzas and an overall dramatic language, typical of the so called “Sturm und Drang” movement of the late 18th century, of which he was the leading exponent.

- Played by two of Italy’s foremost keyboard players, Claudio Astronio and Stefano Molardi. Claudio Astronio, conductor, organist, harpsichordist, musicologist, is an amazing artist with an open mind, pioneer in Early Music with a fondness of pop and jazz as well. “Astronio’s ability to convey the character and emotional dynamic of a vocal line is incredibly beautiful, sensitive and deeply touching” wrote Fanfare, America’s classical magazine. Stefano Molardi is a “renaissance man”, organist, harpsichordist, scholar, historian and writer. He recorded extensively: the complete organ works by J.S. Bach, organ works by Bach family members, complete organ works by Kuhnau and other repertoire. His playing is clear, crisp, free and rhythmically vibrant. His recordings received 5 star reviews in the international classical magazines.

• Bach, C P E: Harpsichord Concerto in G major, Wq. 43/5 (H475)
• Bach, C P E: Keyboard Concerto in C major, Wq. 43/6 (H476)
• Bach, C P E: Keyboard Concerto in C minor, Wq. 43/4 (H474)
• Bach, C P E: Keyboard Concerto in D major, Wq. 43/2 (H472)
• Bach, C P E: Keyboard Concerto in E flat major, Wq. 43/3 (H473)
• Bach, C P E: Keyboard Concerto in F major, Wq. 43/1 (H471)