Bach, W F: Keyboard Sonata in F major, F. 202 (BR A10)

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach was significant in developing the relatively new keyboard sonata form between the Baroque and Classical periods. Combining stylistic elements from his father’s generation and his own, the ambitious Sonata in D major was admired as “the most significant before Beethoven”. The scale of the substantial Sonata in F for two keyboard instruments, one of W. F. Bach’s best-known compositions, is such that it is sometimes referred to as a Concerto. Julia Brown’s recordings give W. F. Bach’s keyboard works “a liberty and sense of fun and engagement that make the music come alive” (Classical Net on Vol. 3, Naxos 8572814).

At the same time as we get to know Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s compositions we can also take stock of the real personality of Johann Sebastian Bach’s eldest son. His works are still mostly unknown to the public at large and remain in the shadow of those by his brothers. It is true that his music still seems to be somewhat strange, imprisoned as it undoubtedly is by the composer’s profound inner drama. Born in 1710, Wilhelm Friedemann benefited more than any other of his brothers from the impact of his father’s personality; we may well remember the famous phrase attributed to Johann Sebastian “The son that gives me joy is the one that I love”?