C. P. E. Bach was a chamber musician at the court of Frederick the Great for nearly three decades. He was also one of the greatest keyboard players in Europe. His compositional mastery is exemplified by the six 'Prussian' Sonatas of 1742, works of great expression and stylistic interest. His desire to explore 'musical speech' was accompanied by bold contrasts, tremendous dynamism, and acute sensitivity for the shaping of slow movements. These reveal his inventive, forward thinking harmonies that both acknowledge the past but also strike out in vivid new directions. Susan Alexander, Max is recognized internationally as a leading forte pianist and clavichordist specializing in the music of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. A featured performer on international radio and television, she is known to festivals, museums, universities and music colleges world wide.

Tracklist:

Keyboard Sonata In F Major, Wq. 48/1, H. 24, "Prussian Sonata No. 1": I. Poco Allegro
Keyboard Sonata In F Major, Wq. 48/1, H. 24, "Prussian Sonata No. 1": II. Andante
Keyboard Sonata In F Major, Wq. 48/1, H. 24, "Prussian Sonata No. 1": III. Vivace
Keyboard Sonata In B Flat Major, Wq. 48/2, H. 25, "Prussian Sonata No. 2": I. Vivace
Keyboard Sonata In B Flat Major, Wq. 48/2, H. 25, "Prussian Sonata No. 2": II. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata In B Flat Major, Wq. 48/2, H. 25, "Prussian Sonata No. 2": III. Allegro Assai
Keyboard Sonata In E Major, Wq. 48/3, H. 26, "Prussian Sonata No. 3": I. Poco Allegro
Keyboard Sonata In E Major, Wq. 48/3, H. 26, "Prussian Sonata No. 3": II. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata In E Major, Wq. 48/3, H. 26, "Prussian Sonata No. 3": III. Presto
Keyboard Sonata In C Minor, Wq. 48/4, H. 27, "Prussian Sonata No. 4": I. Allegro
Keyboard Sonata In C Minor, Wq. 48/4, H. 27, "Prussian Sonata No. 4": II. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata In C Minor, Wq. 48/4, H. 27, "Prussian Sonata No. 4": III. Presto
Keyboard Sonata In C Major, Wq. 48/5, H. 28, "Prussian Sonata No. 5": I. Poco Allegro
Keyboard Sonata In C Major, Wq. 48/5, H. 28, "Prussian Sonata No. 5": II. Andante
Keyboard Sonata In C Major, Wq. 48/5, H. 28, "Prussian Sonata No. 5": III. Allegro Assai
Keyboard Sonata In A Major, Wq. 48/6, H. 29, "Prussian Sonata No. 6": I. Allegro
Keyboard Sonata In A Major, Wq. 48/6, H. 29, "Prussian Sonata No. 6": II. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata In A Major, Wq. 48/6, H. 29, "Prussian Sonata No. 6": III. Allegro

UPC: 747313267477
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 7.31.12
Format: CD

Susan Alexander-Max - Bach: Prussian Sonatas (CD)