This is a magnificent CD release. Here once again the excellent Academy of Ancient Music with Christopher Hogwood have come up trumps with a special programme that offers attention to a composer that has often been over shadowed by his father.
There are two discs in this set. Beginning with the earliest compositions we must look at Disc two which begins with two symphonies H649 and H6451 These symphonies are both three movements in length and written during Bach's time in Berlin. Bach had served Frederick the Great for 30 years and had experienced much constrain on his ability to embrace new ideas. Both symphonies serve very well indeed with its strict form and tone colour. They are very pleasant to engage with.
In 1768 Bach managed to move to Hamburg where he was able to have freedom to compose with audacity. The result is the completely fabulous Hamburg Symphonies
The six symphonies associated with the composers period at Hamburg H657-62 (Disc One) are very exciting and are at least equal to symphonies by Haydn at that time. These symphonies for strings are very forceful. There are great chord shifts that shock the listener through highs and lows. There are great hints of early romanticism in these works and they are most inspirational. Each symphony has progressed to four movements.
It is also clear that Bach and Haydn had respect for each other. And the further tracks on disc two : Quartets H537-39 for keyboard, flute, viola and bass show similar stylisation between the string quartets of both composers. And there is no doubt that Fantasy in C major H284 would have been familiar to Haydn too.
This is a great release that offers much insight into C.P.E Bach by combining Symphonies with chamber works all on one release.
The analogue to Digital remaster sound is excellent and there is superb balance and clarity. The Acadamy of Ancient music with Christopher Hogwood are on fine form on this outstanding recording.