Following their critically acclaimed recording of Johann Gottfried Müthel’s keyboard concertos (BIS-2179), the Polish ensemble Arte dei Suonatori and Marcin Świątkiewicz, who conducts from his...

Following their critically acclaimed recording of Johann Gottfried Müthel’s keyboard concertos (BIS-2179), the Polish ensemble Arte dei Suonatori and Marcin Świątkiewicz, who conducts from his instrument, present the six Hamburg symphonies by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, interspersed with solo fantasias for keyboard.

C.P.E. Bach's music has always captivated listeners with its diverse atmospheres, captivating melodies, irresistible contrasts, surprising interweaving of voices, eccentric harmonies, and extreme dynamic transitions. These six symphonies showcased here are no exception, demonstrating a truly 'subversive' musical style characterized by extreme contrasts. Due to the richness of their ideas, the virtuosity, and the meticulous compositional work, these works are considered the pinnacle of C.P.E. Bach’s oeuvre.

As these symphonies can be viewed as intimate chamber music, they are performed here by a compact ensemble where each musician participates in the interpretation on an equal footing, ensuring that everyone is heard. Through historically oriented performance practices, the Hamburg symphonies and fantasias of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach regain the impact they originally had, inspiring awe and moving hearts.