C.P.E. Bach: Works for Fortepiano & Harpsichord – Preethi de Silva

These collections, published by Breitkopf & Härtel between 1779 and 1787, contain some of the most mature piano works by Johann Sebastian Bach’s second eldest son. It is not always easy to decide whether to perform them on the clavichord or fortepiano, or even on the harpsichord. In her recordings, Preethi de Silva has opted for fortepiano and harpsichord; Miklós Spányi, in his complete recording of the keyboard works of C. Ph. E. Bach, has opted for the intimate clavichord, intended for domestic performance. Some of the works in which Bach prescribes the “Bebung” are therefore actually reserved for the clavichord – because this effect can only be realized on this instrument.