Bach, Johann Christian 1735 - 1782
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
Last updated：August 1, 2008
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
Johann Christian Bach
German composer. He was the youngest son of J.S. Bach. He is sometimes referred to as "the Milan Bach" or "the London Bach," taking the names from the places where he primarily worked. He composed over 30 piano concertos and piano sonatas each. These works are historically positioned as precursors to Mozart's compositions.
His mother was Anna Magdalena, J.S. Bach's second wife, and he lost his father at the age of 15. He did not receive a university education but studied music under Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. In 1756, at the outbreak of the Seven Years' War, he moved to Milan, serving as Kapellmeister to Count Agostino Litta and as organist at Milan Cathedral. Around this time, he converted from Protestantism to Catholicism and began to dedicate himself to composing church music. Subsequently, he developed an interest in opera, and after he began composing operatic works, he was criticized for neglecting his duties at the Cathedral and moved to London. This is why Johann Christian Bach is known as both "the Milan Bach" and "the London Bach." After settling in London, he composed operas, cantatas, and numerous instrumental works. He also continuously held concerts known as the "Bach-Abel Concerts" for 18 years, and endeavored to introduce Haydn's symphonies. It is believed that he significantly influenced the young Mozart, whom he met during this period.
Works(8)
Piano Solo (1)
sonata (2)
etc (2)
concerto (4)
6 Concertos for harpsichord or pianoforte and strings Op.13
Composed in: 1777 Playing time: 1 hr 23 min 30 sec