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Composer

Johann Christian Bach

1735 — 1782

About

Concerts and Operas

Bach: The Art of Life
Daniil Trifonov
Concert104 Min

Albums

Bach: Anna Magdalena Notebooks, 1722 and 1725
Mahan Esfahani, Carolyn Sampson
BACH: The Art of Life (Encore Edition)
Daniil Trifonov
3 Bach Magnificats: J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach & C.P.E. Bach
Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Bach
Nemanja Radulovic, Double Sens
Bachiana II – Music by the Bach Family: Concertos
Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
English Classical Clarinet Concertos (English Orpheus 39)
Colin Lawson, The Parley of Instruments, Peter Holman

About

Johann Christian Bach

Johann Christian Bach
Photo: Alamy
Sometimes known as the "English Bach", the eleventh and youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach was only fifteen when his celebrated father died. He completed his musical studies under the tuition of his older half-brother Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach before travelling in 1754 to Italy, to serve as organist at Bologna Cathedral – where, in a break with family tradition, he converted to Catholicism. He moved to London in May 1762 to write operas for the King's Theatre and remained in England for the rest of his life, playing a prominent role in the city's musical life and becoming one of the first musicians successfully to assert copyright. He was appointed Music Master to Queen Charlotte, and he offered a kindly welcome (as well as expert tuition) to the eight-year-old Mozart when the Mozart family visited London in 1764. Bach's contacts with the composers of the Mannheim school, as well as his mastery of the developing forms of symphony and (a particular speciality) Sinfonia Concertante, made him a successful concert promoter – initially at least: fashions later changed and he died in poverty. The Queen herself intervened to provide for his widow and pay for his burial in St Pancras Old Churchyard.

Johann Christian Bach: The "English Bach"

Known as the "English Bach", Johann Christian Bach, the eleventh and youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, played a critical role in bringing classical music to the forefront. After his father's death when he was 15, he continued his musical education under his half-brother, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. Unlike his father, whose compositions defined the Baroque era, Johann Christian's music reflects the early Classical style, often noted for its elegance and melodic clarity.

Bach's Journey to Italy and England

Bach ventured to Italy in 1754, taking on the role of an organist at the Milan Cathedral, where he converted to Catholicism, breaking with his family's tradition. In 1762, Bach decided to move to London to craft operas for the King's Theatre. Here, he became a prominent figure in the city's musical life and was one of the first musicians to successfully assert copyright.

Bach's Influence and Legacy

Bach's encounter with young Mozart during the latter's visit to London in 1764, further cemented his legacy as a prominent music teacher and concert promoter. He played a pivotal role in welcoming and mentoring the young Mozart. Bach was associated with the Mannheim school of composers and was a successful promoter of concerts, notably excelling in the Sinfonia Concertante form.

Despite his initial success, changing musical tastes led to financial hardship later in life. Upon his death, he was buried in St Pancras Old Churchyard. Discover Bach's rich musical legacy that spans from his mastery of symphony to his speciality in Sinfonia Concertante on STAGE+.

Signature Works and Recordings

Bach's works have been recorded and interpreted by numerous artists and orchestras. Some notable recordings include "Bach: The Art of Life (Encore Edition)", "Bach: Anna Magdalena Notebooks, 1722 and 1725", "3 Bach Magnificats" showcasing works by J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach, and C.P.E. Bach, "Bachiana II – Music by the Bach Family: Concertos", and "English Classical Clarinet Concertos (English Orpheus 39)".