COMPOSERS: Abel,Goldberg,Kirnberger,Krebs & Máthel
LABELS: Glossa
ALBUM TITLE: Collection: Music by Bach's Students
WORKS: Works by Kirnberger, Goldberg, Abel, Krebs & Müthel
PERFORMER: Wilbert Hazelzet (flute), Jacques Ogg (harpsichord), Jaap ter Linden (cello)
CATALOGUE NO: GCD 920802
Bach was very active as a teacher in Leipzig, especially towards the end of his life, and he attracted some talented pupils, though none with the precocious gifts of his own musical sons. The Bach clan does not feature in this interesting programme, though Goldberg’s Sonata in C was long attributed to Bach himself. Goldberg is perhaps the most striking of the group; his style is expressive and his writing skilful with a degree of individuality. Even if he had never written a note of music, Goldberg’s place in posterity is assured by his association with one of the greatest sets of keyboard variations ever written, the Goldberg Variations.
Flautist Wilbert Hazelzet has chosen his programme discerningly and Carl Friedrich Abel’s Sonata in E minor is among the most appealing items here. He was JC Bach’s partner in the celebrated Bach-Abel concerts which enriched London musical life during the 1760s and 1770s. Hazelzet’s playing is rewardingly articulate and his warm tonal colours are alluring. Together with his stylistically fluent continuo players he enlivens music which, apart from the Goldberg Sonata, is seldom given an airing. A recital to treasure. Nicholas Anderson