C.P.E. Bach: Magnificat, Wq. 215

On the evidence of this incredible choral work, there’s no danger of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach living in the shadow of his father, J. S. Bach. While C. P. E.’s 1749 Magnificat draws on the trumpet-infused, Italianate style of J. S.’s setting composed some 20 years earlier, C. P. E. demonstrates his own musical originality in spades. There are hints of Vivaldian energy and Haydn-esque humour running through the opening movements, but there are moments of real tenderness, too, particularly in the “Suscepit”. This formidable and award-winning performance of the Magnificat is accompanied by the Sinfonie in D Major—a favourite of the composer’s—and another choral work, Heilig ist Gott, scored for double choir. This album is a brilliant opportunity to explore music outside C. P. E. Bach’s better-known keyboard works.