Johann Christian Bach, often referred to as the "London Bach," was born in Leipzig, Germany, on September 5, 1735, as the youngest son of the prolific Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach and his wife, Anna Magdalena. Johann Christian moved to Italy in 1754, where he converted to Roman Catholicism and immersed himself in the Italian operatic and instrumental styles, which significantly influenced his compositional style, marking a departure from the complex Baroque traditions of his father towards a more galant and Classical form.

In 1762, J.C. Bach moved to London, where he achieved great success as a composer, performer, and teacher. His works in London, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, greatly contributed to the development of the Classical style and exerted a considerable influence on young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whom he met in 1764 when Mozart was just eight years old. Mozart's early symphonies and concertos show a clear indebtedness to J.C. Bach's style. Johann Christian's compositions, characterized by their melodic beauty and grace, made a significant impact on the music of the Classical period. He died on January 1, 1782, in London, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the Baroque and Classical eras and helped shape the early development of the Classical style.

Genres

Classical Era

Related Artists

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Antonio Vivaldi

George Frideric Handel

Georg Philipp Telemann

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Domenico Scarlatti

Arcangelo Corelli

Johann Pachelbel

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Latest Release

Opus V

Johann Christian Bach

Album - 15 Tracks - Released July 19, 2024