John Christian Bach: Mozart's Friend and MentorThe youngest surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach, John Christian (born Johann, he adopted the English form of his name in maturity) represents a unique link between the baroque and classical worlds. His early musical training was with his father but his own musical preferences led him to Italy and study with Padre Martini. He abandoned the Lutheranism of his youth, becoming a Roman Catholic and composing much sacred music as organist of Milan Cathedral. He became Mozart's friend and mentor, having met him when the child prodigy visited London in 1764. During his lifetime he was the most successful of the musical Bachs, although he died deeply in debt, and until quite recent years his music has been largely ignored. This impeccably researched biography of the man and his times is evidence that his true stature is now being recognized. HARDCOVER. |
Contents
Childhood Shears in Leipzig | 1 |
Life in Berlin Under King Frederick the Great | 59 |
Apprenticeship and Mastery in Italy | 109 |
Years of Fame in London | 163 |
Bach and the Mozarts in London | 203 |
Bach Abel and Gainsborough | 247 |
John Christian Bach and Mannheim | 275 |
Last Triumphs | 299 |
Notes | 335 |
List of Works mith Opus Numbers | 361 |
| 365 | |
Discography | 369 |
Chronology | 381 |
| 391 | |
Common terms and phrases
Abel According appeared aria arrived asked Bach's beautiful became become Berlin brother Burney called Cello Christian Bach church composer compositions concert considered continued Count court death earlier Emanuel England especially famous father flute Friedemann Friedrich German give given harpsichord heard important impressed included interest Italian Italy Johann John keyboard kind king King's later Leipzig Leopold less letter Litta living London Mannheim manuscript March Martini master melody mentioned Milan moved Mozart musicians offer once opera Opus Orchestra organ Padre painting Paris performance person playing position present Prince published received referred royal scores season Sebastian seems singer singing sonatas soon style success symphonies Theatre thought tion took turned violin voice wanted Wolfgang write written wrote young