BREMF – CPE Bach at 300 – The Potsdam Years, Neil McLaren (flute), Tom Foster (harpsichord)

There was extraordinary variety in this enchanting programme. Formality, improvisation and virtuosity so excellent one wonders if Frederick the Great, the monarch who impressed culture on Prussia, ever really managed to play these works as they were written. The difference between the Trio Sonatas that began and ended the concert was extreme and fascinating. Relaxed but detailed introductions gave the large, well-informed BREMF audience plenty to follow up, and like the playing wore the scholarship lightly. The solo works in the middle of the programme demonstrated CPE Bach’s mastery of styles and the fine bravura quality of these outstanding performers.

St Paul’s Church, 8 November 2014
Rating:
Andrew Connal