Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, born on November 22, 1710, in Weimar, Germany, was the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, a towering figure in the history of music. His early musical education was rich and thorough, receiving instruction directly from his illustrious father. This foundation not only honed his skills but also instilled in him a profound understanding of the intricate Baroque style that his family name is synonymous with. However, Wilhelm Friedemann's compositions reveal a strikingly individual style, characterized by a blend of Baroque intricacies and the emerging galant style that foreshadowed the classical era.

Throughout his career, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach served in various musical positions including organist positions in Dresden and Halle. Despite being highly respected for his improvisational skills and technical prowess on the organ and clavichord, Friedemann's life was marked by financial instability and professional discontent, factors which, unfortunately, overshadowed his remarkable compositional output. His works, which include keyboard sonatas, polonaises, symphonies, and chamber music, stand out for their inventive harmonies and complex counterpoint, demonstrating a transitional style that was ahead of its time. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach's contributions, though not as widely recognized as those of his father or younger brother Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, are crucial in understanding the evolution of Western classical music. His death on July 1, 1784, in Berlin, marked the end of an era, but his music continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and technical sophistication.

Genres

Baroque

Classical Era

Galante Era

German Baroque

Latest Release

Twelve Polonaises

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Album - 16 Tracks - Released April 26, 2024