Gramophone Magazine
August 2026
Editor's Choice
Arte dei Suonatori, Marcin Świątkiewicz
Bach, C P E: Symphony in E-Flat Major, Wq. 179
Bach, C P E: Symphony in G Major, Wq. 180
Bach, C P E: Symphony in E minor, Wq. 178 (H653)
Bach, C P E: Symphony in F Major, Wq. 175
Bach, C P E: Symphony in G Major, Wq. 173
Bach, C P E: Symphony in D Major, Wq. 176
Following their acclaimed recording of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s ‘Hamburg’ Symphonies, the Polish period-instrument ensemble Arte dei Suonatori and harpsichordist-conductor Marcin Świątkiewicz turn their attention to the composer’s six ‘Berlin’ Symphonies (composed between 1755 and 1758). This landmark release is the first to present all six works together in their original, intimate scoring for strings alone with harpsichord continuo, omitting the wind parts that were added in later revisions.
Marked by C.P.E. Bach’s signature Empfindsamkeit (heightened emotionality), these symphonies crackle with dramatic energy, unexpected harmonic twists, and rapid mood shifts. Utilizing a compact chamber setup where every musician functions on an equal footing, the ensemble highlights the delicate, conversational textures of the string writing. Grounded in historical performance practices that draw close parallels to poetry, prosody, and period dance forms, Świątkiewicz and Arte dei Suonatori deliver a vital and intensely expressive reading of these pre-Classical gems.
"The Polish period-instrument group Arte dei Suonatori are on top of all Bach's sleights of hand... as fine a survey of CPE Bach's symphonic art as you're likely to come across." — Gramophone Magazine, August 2026
