Influencers: The Bachs, Mozart and Haydn

For the original influencers, look no further than the Bach family. Sons of the great J.S. Bach, Johann Christian and Carl Philipp Emanuel wrote music in a style that bridged the baroque and classical periods. Using musical idioms that favoured melody, drama and elegance, they paved the way for classical icons like Mozart and Haydn. Directed from the violin by Principal Guest Director Rachel Podger, our program traces the synergies among these composers, whose mutual admiration was well known. In fact, J.C. Bach was like a father figure to Mozart, who played keyboard duets with him as a child.