Jirí Antonín Benda spent his prime years at King Friedrich II’s court orchestra in Berlin and serving as court Kapellmeister in Gotha, yet his works...

Jirí Antonín Benda spent his prime years at King Friedrich II’s court orchestra in Berlin and serving as court Kapellmeister in Gotha, yet his works were an integral part of 18th c. Prague’s musical landscape. His six published volumes of keyboard music – much influenced by his Berlin colleague C.P.E. Bach – various instrumental sonatas, church music, and songs is enchanting in its simplicity, impressive expression, gallantry and wit. The artists on this recording immersed themselves in Benda’s musical universe, bringing their ample performing experience to bear on these works of irresistible charm.