Although the writing of music history may purport to be an objective activity, it seldom does people justice, even allowing for the great differences of opinion as to what on earth “justice” means in the context of a composer's merit. If one narrows down the dubious concept of fairness to appreciation - to classification as part of one of the great currents of development - one may venture a little further before realizing that fairness is not timeless, but subject to trends and conventions; it fluctuates in parallel with the passing of time and the level of academic knowledge.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was and remains subject to this fluctuation. The present release explores the composer’s life in a new and expanded edition, which includes the World Premiere Recording of C.P.E. Bach´s Cantata “Ich bin vergnügt in meinem Stande“ and his famous Piano Concertos under the direction of Reinhard Goebel. Together, his works make a strong case for greatness in our present day.

REVIEWS:

[This] is truly an incredible bargain, one that no lover of C. P. E. Bach in particular or of mid-18th-century music in general, can afford to pass up. This is a serious candidate for my 2022 Want List. Urgently, enthusiastically recommended.

--Fanfare

This towering musical document is also a profound insight on the development of the baroque to the classical, regarding style and structure. A pyramid of inestimable musical beauty that should keep you company for years on end. Sound quality can sometimes vary slightly, but when one keeps in mind that this is a project that was spread over a huge number of recording sessions, that is understandable. Otherwise, this is an epic undertaking that deserves my unconditional recommendation.

--Classical Music Daily