Episode 3

Synopsis

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of JC Bach, the youngest son of Johann Sebastian.

He discusses Johann Christian's friendships in 18th-century London with composer Carl Friedrich Abel and painter Thomas Gainsborough. Bach and Abel were housemates and business partners, collaborating on a series of subscription concerts in Soho for 20 years. Gainsborough, famously boozy and passionate about music, was the third side of the triangle, risking their ridicule by performing for them and swapping his paintings for his friends' instruments.

Abel: Sonata in G (2nd mvt)
Susanne Heinrich (viola da gamba)
Hyperion CDA67628 Tr 12

JC Bach: Sinfonia Concertante in G
Pratum Integrum Orchestra
Caro Mitis CM 0022006 Trs 1-3

Abel: Five Pieces in D minor, WKO 208 (No 1)
Wieland Kuijken (viola da gamba)
Denon CO75659 Tr 5

JC Bach: Quartet, Op 19, No 1
Camerata Koln
CPO 9995792 Trs 1-3.

Tracklist

Timings are shown from the start of the programme in hours and minutes.

1. --:--

   Johann Christian Bach — ABEL: Sonata in G major, 2nd movt

   Performer: Susanne Heinrich (viola da gamba)

   Hyperion, CDA67628, T12
2. --:--

   Johann Christian Bach — Sinfonia Concertante in G major

   Performer: Pratum Integrum Orchestra

   Caro Mitis, CM 0022006, T1-3
3. --:--

   Johann Christian Bach — ABEL: One of 5 Pieces in Dm (WKO.208)

   Performer: Wieland Kuijken (gamba)

   Denon, CO75659, T5
4. --:--

   Johann Christian Bach — Quartet op.19 no.1

   Performer: Camerata Köln

   CPO, 9995792, T1-3

Broadcasts

1. Wed 7 Oct 2009
   12:00
   BBC Radio 3
2. Wed 7 Oct 2009
   22:00
   BBC Radio 3