The Age of Extremes combines three of the most significant musicians belonging to the generation of the empfindsame or “sentimental” style. As a reaction to the late baroque of J.S. Bach and Handel, they systematically explored contrast and extreme juxtapositions in their compositions.

This avant-garde style remained in fashion for only a short period but anticipated many pre-eminent aspects of early romanticism. In this recording a harpsichord concerto by W.F. Bach (J.S. Bach’s eldest son) is combined with two concertos by Bohemian composer G. Benda. They perfectly illustrate the empfindsame style, quickly oscillating between excitement and melancholy, furious frenzy and serene calm. The program concludes with major solo harpsichord pieces by C.P.E. Bach and a beautiful Adagio and Fugue for orchestra by W.F. Bach – showcasing the composer’s ability in the stile antico.

Francesco Corti, Harpsichord and Direction

Il Pomo d’Oro
Zefira Valova, Nicholas Robinson, Valentina Mattiussi, Ilaria Marvilly — violins I
Lucia Giraudo, Laura Andriani, Luca Ranzato — violins II
Jesus Merino, Archimede De Martini — violas
Ludovico Minasi, Cristina Vidoni — violoncellos
Jonathan Álvarez — double bass
Daniela Lieb, Francesca Torri — flutes
Andrea Bressan — bassoon
Harpsichord by Keith Hill, Manchester (Michigan, USA), 2001 (after anon., Germany, c. 1700)