Presto Editor's Choice
April 2023

Rachel Podger (violin), Kristian Bezuidenhout (fortepiano)

Bach, C P E: Violin Sonata in G minor (BWV 1020), (H542.5)
Bach, C P E: Violin Sonata in C minor, Wq. 78
Bach, C P E: Arioso con variazioni, Wq. 79 (H535)
Bach, C P E: Violin Sonata in B minor, Wq. 76
Bach, C P E: Violin Sonata in D, Wq. 71 (H502)

The Baroque dream team of Rachel Podger and Kristian Bezuidenhout interpret the astonishing music of C.P.E. Bach’s Violin Sonatas in C minor, B minor, D major and G minor. The two early sonatas here from the 1730s resemble the older style of his father. Listening to these works, you can imagine J.S. Bach glancing over Emanuel’s shoulders while he wrote them as a teenager at home in Leipzig. The later sonatas, written 30 to 50 years later, reveal an emancipated composer whose developed musical language embodies the ‘Empfindsamer Stil’, the directly emotional and rhetorical style characteristic of northern-german music of the time.

‘It was wonderful to delve into the specific musical world that belongs to C.P.E. Bach for this recording with Kris. These violin sonatas are (quite unfortunately!) largely overshadowed by the classical Viennese sonatas of Mozart and Beethoven. Part of his genius is that he is full of surprises and unpredictable turns, and this was hugely enjoyable for me during the musical partnership with the wonderful Kristian Bezuidenhout.’ – Rachel Podger

"There's such a lovely rapport between these two eminent Baroque musicians on their first recorded collaboration, with Podger stepping gracefully into the role of accompanist for long stretches and Bezuidenhout (playing a French harpsichord for the early sonatas and a modern copy of a Walter fortepiano for the later ones) dazzling in the many moments when he takes centre-stage. The lovely Adagio from the opening sonata, more than a little reminiscent of the slow movement of Bach père's Double Concerto, is particularly enchanting." - Presto Music, April 2023.