Six Symphonies, Op. 3
for 2 oboes, 2 horns, strings and continuo
Program Notes by Martin Pearlman
Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782), the youngest son of Johann Sebastian, studied first with his father and, after his father's death, with his brother Carl Philipp Emanuel. He completed his studies in Italy with the renowned musician and scholar Padre Martini, who was later visited by the young Mozart. In Italy, Johann Christian developed a reputation for his liturgical music and operas, and he became a skilled composer of the Italian opera overture, one of the forms that developed into the Classical symphony. In 1762 he moved to London, where he became the queen's music master, a popular composer of operas and instrumental works, and one of the presenters, along with Carl Abel, of an important public concert series. He is often referred to as "the London Bach."
The six symphonies of his Opus 3 were first performed in his concert series in 1765. One member of the audience for some of these works may well have been the nine-year-old Mozart. In 1764-65, Mozart was on tour with his father in England, where he came to know J. C. Bach personally and fell under the influence of his music. Mozart's early symphony, K. 19, written while in London, is modeled on the first of Bach's Opus 3 symphonies. Also while in London, Mozart wrote his first piano concerto, which is actually an arrangement of sonata movements by Bach.
These symphonies of J. C. Bach are in an early Classical style from a time when the symphony was evolving. In their charming themes, the way they develop ideas, and even in their orchestration, one can hear Bach's influence on the young Mozart. But they are more than "lesser Mozart," as some writers have described them. They are lively, attractive works well worth hearing in their own right.
Boston Baroque Performances
Sinfonia in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1
March 13, 1982
NEC’s Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
April 8, 1977
Paine Hall, Cambridge, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor