3. A Musical Offering, Bach: Old vs. New

Legend relates that Johann Sebastian Bach exclaimed, ‘‘’Tis Prussian Blue! It fades easily!’’ when describing the music of his son Carl Philipp Emanuel. This was surely a teasing reference to the galant style, with its open musical textures and general avoidance of ‘’old-school’’ counterpoint. Our program offsets the contrapuntal wizardry of Bach senior with this new style – and is especially topical for your new Artistic Director in featuring a set of variations on God Save the King by Johann Christian, the so-called ‘‘London Bach.’’

Program includes

• Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Sinfonia in G Major, Wq. 182
• Johann Sebastian Bach Trio sonata sopra il sogetto reale from The Musical Offering
• Johann Christian Bach Harpsichord Concerto, Opus 1, No. 6 in D Major
• Johann Sebastian Bach Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor