Bach's arrival in Cothen: EMS 17 September

[doversoul1]

In the fading light of December 1717, a carriage rumbles along the road to Cöthen. As the candlelit moated castle comes into view, the approaching family crane their necks to get a better look at their new home-town. The rural setting is a far cry from the hubbub of Weimar but there's promise in the air. The family are of course the Bachs, Johann Sebastian and his wife Maria Barbara, and four children: nine-year-old Catharina Dorothea, seven-year-old Wilhelm Friedman, three-year-old Carl Philipp Emanuel, and the toddler Johann Gottfried Bernhard.

This journey, taken 300 years ago, marked a new and exciting development for the young family, and considerable promotion for Bach. Looking back on the moment, Sebastian would later write: a 'change in my fortunes... took me to Cöthen as Cappellmeister. There I had a gracious Prince, who both loved and knew music, and in his service I intended to spend the rest of my life.

Hannah French delves into the history surrounding his move to Cöthen, his eventual departure, his relationship with the Prince Anhalt Cöthen, and the music he composed there

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b094scdd

[ardcarp]

Raally enjoyed this. Hannah's enthusuasm for this imprtant phase in Bach's career was infectious! I had not quite realised (or had forgotten) what seminal works he wrote in Cothen.

[edashtav]

Raally enjoyed this. Hannah's enthusuasm for this imprtant phase in Bach's career was infectious! I had not quite realised (or had forgotten) what seminal works he wrote in Cothen.

Yes , the programme was informative and presented in a lively and engaging fashion.

[Richard Tarleton]

Raally enjoyed this. Hannah's enthusuasm for this imprtant phase in Bach's career was infectious! I had not quite realised (or had forgotten) what seminal works he wrote in Cothen.

Bach's Cothen period was very much my introduction to his music - the solo violin and cello works, the Brandenburgs etc - the instrumental and orchestral side of Bach, in other words. Passions apart, the choral works came later, the organ yet to arrive...... I remember when I discovered the cello suites, on a January night in Plymouth in 1971.... Yes a most enjoyable hour.

[MickyD]

First time I've heard that Concerto Italiano recording of Brandenburg 2 - what a knockout. I fear I may have to put yet another set into my collection.

[ChrisBennell]

Agree with the above. So enjoyed this programme, I've listened to it twice. I thought the musical examples were exceptional. As well as the Brandenburg 2, I also particularly enjoyed the Cantata BWV134a, so much so that I shall be purchasing that recording. Great broadcasting!

[vinteuil]

First time I've heard that Concerto Italiano recording of Brandenburg 2 - what a knockout. I fear I may have to put yet another set into my collection.

... Micky - if you're looking for the Concerto Italiano Brandenburgs, I think the cheapest way at the moment is in this box. And you get other goodies too...

http://amzn.eu/gijawI8

.

http://amzn.eu/9rxkUeP

(mine's just arrived... )




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[MickyD]

Thanks, Vints..didn't know about that box. Yes, for some strange reason, the Concerto Italiano Brandenburgs alone are going for a silly price at the moment. I have all the other discs in the box you mention, so maybe I'll wait to see if I can pick up the original incarnation at a cheaper price sometime. Mind you, I'm not sure I'd much fancy having to look at that bizarre cover photo of the stag lost in a municipal car park...