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The Piano Duet

Bach Piano Duets

By Espie Estrella, About.com

All in all Johann Sebastian Bach had 20 children, some wouldn't live to adulthood, others followed in their father's footsteps. Among Johann Sebastian's children, three of his sons composed piano duets; Johann Christian, Johann Christoph Friedrich and Wilhelm Friedermann.

Johann Christian Bach (1735 - 1782) - He was the youngest son of Johann Sebastian and his second wife, Anna Magdalena. He was known as the "London Bach" or the English Bach". Johann Christian enjoyed a promising career, first as a composer then as a performer playing alongside Karl Friedrich Abel, a notable player of the viola da gamba. He was also appointed as music master for Queen Charlotte. His composition for piano four hands include:

  • Sonata Piano Duet in C major
  • Piano Duet in D major
  • Piano Duet in G major

    Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach (1732 - 1795) - He was the 16th son of Johann Sebastian and Anna Magdalena. He was known as the "Bückeburg Bach" due to his long tenure as chamber musician at the Bückeburg court of Count Wilhelm of Schaumburg-Lippe. He wrote two piano duets namely:

  • Sonata in A major
  • Sonata in C major

    Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710 - 1784) - He was the eldest son of Johann Sebastian and his first wife, Maria Barbara. Aside from the keyboard, Wilhelm Friedemann also played the violin. He became organist at a church in Dresden in 1733, by 1746 he moved to Halle. He composed Andante in A minor, a piano duet.

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