BACH, W.F. Keyboard Works, Vol. 3

Sonatas, Fk. 2, 4, 5, 9 / Suite, Fk. 24

Naxos: 8.572814

Julia Brown playing a chamber organ at the Church of the Resurrection, Eugene, Oregon, where this CD was recorded 2011

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach's keyboard music, undeservedly little known, are filled with quirky contrasts and a more adventurously chromatic and exploratory style than that of his contemporaries .

Julia Brown, early keyboards specialist, makes a strong case for this music, with an attractively bright toned instument by Richard Kingston.

The Suite reworks and expands Friedmann's father, JSB’s models, 'turning conventional dance movements into character pieces' [JB].

She plays with expressive freedom upon a strong underlying pulse, very satisfying listening.

Recommended as an unmissable bargain.

Peter Grahame Woolf