Johann Christian Bach Program Notes

Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) was the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a popular composer of the Classical era, and his music was known for its elegance and grace.

Bach was born in Leipzig, Germany, and studied music with his father and other important composers of the time. He moved to Italy in 1754, where he became a pupil of Padre Martini. He later moved to London, where he became known as "The English Bach."

Bach's music is characterized by its use of melody, harmony, and counterpoint. He was a master of the keyboard, and his keyboard sonatas and concertos are some of his most famous works. He also wrote a number of symphonies, chamber music, and vocal music.

Bach was a popular composer during his lifetime, and his music was performed all over Europe. He was a friend of Mozart, and the two composers influenced each other's work. Bach's music is still performed today, and he is considered one of the most important composers of the Classical era.

Here are some of his most famous works:

• Keyboard Sonata No. 6 in C Major
• Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in E Major
• Symphony No. 1 in D Major
• String Quartet in E Minor
• Opera "Amadis de Gaula"
• Cantata "Ich habe genug"

If you are interested in learning more about Johann Christian Bach, I recommend the following books:

• The Cambridge Companion to Johann Christian Bach (edited by Malcolm Boyd)
• Johann Christian Bach: The English Bach (by Charles Rosen)
• Johann Christian Bach: The Man and His Music (by Richard Taruskin)