Wilhelm Friedemann Bach: Twelve Polonaises

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach was the eldest son of Johann Sebastian; his father poured the best of his pedagogical talents and attitude into the boy’s education, and led him to become one of the most accomplished keyboard players, improvisers, and composers of the era. This collection of twelve Polonaises mirrors, in their tonal ordering, the structure of Johann Sebastian’s Well-Tempered Clavier, but also reflects the idea that Polonaises, and all things Polish, were a symbol for majesty, royalty, stateliness, and nobility. The pieces in the major keys at times resemble Etudes, but they are also pieces of great musical liveliness and spontaneity. The pieces in the minor mode, by way of contrast, are slowly paced, lyrical, touching and full of expressivity and refinement. Together, they demonstrate their composer’s skill, talent, and his rich musical palette.