L'Achéron / François Joubert-Caillet

François Joubert-Caillet, bass viol
Philippe Grisvard, harpsichord

This programme explores the continuity and ruptures of the Bach dynasty, one of the richest in the history of European music. Johann Sebastian Bach, a leading figure of the late Baroque period, passed on to his sons not only his knowledge, but also a way of thinking about music: rigorous, profound and lively. 

Carl Philipp Emanuel, his eldest son, brought this language to the sensitive style, embodying the transition to Sturm und Drang with a more expressive, freer and more human style of writing. Johann Christian, ‘the Bach of London’, adopted a gallant, clear and lyrical style, influenced by Italian opera. Wilhelm Friedrich, the youngest of the sons to have composed, followed in his father's footsteps, while incorporating the developments of classicism.

Here, in the repertoire for viola da gamba and obbligato harpsichord, this programme highlights not only the family heritage, but also the stylistic changes that took place throughout the 18th century, between continuity and modernity.