Susan Hammond - Sinfonias

W. F. Bach: Sinfonias / Haenchen, C. P. E. Bach Kammerorchester / Composer: Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach / Conductor: Hartmut Haenchen / Orchestra/Ensemble: C.P.E. Bach Chamber Orchestra / Number of Discs: 1 / This release contains orchestral works by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Sebastian's eldest son, and possibly his most gifted. Wilhelm Friedemann's musical language is sometimes far ahead of it's time, in the use of daring harmonies and unusual counterpoint, bold and imaginative. Sadly most of the composer's works have been lost, hence his relative obscurity. The works on this CD have been reconstructed by conductor Hartmut Haenchen: 3 sinfonias to lost cantatas and an orchestral suite, testimony of and original and independent mind. Excellent performances by the Kammerorchester C.P.E. Bach in spirit of Historically Informed Performance, conducted by Hartmut Haenchen, who also wrote the liner notes. "This collection is a stunning testimony to Wilhelm Friedemann's talents, and the performances are marked by vitality and intensity" (American Record Guide).