Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach - Berlin Symphonies I (Arte dei Suonatori)

Information

Composer: Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

• Symphony in E-Flat Major, Wq. 179
• Symphony in G Major, Wq. 180
• Symphony in E Minor, Wq. 178
• Symphony in F Major, Wq. 175
• Symphony in G Major, Wq. 173
• Symphony in D Major, Wq. 176

Arte dei Suonatori

Marcin Świątkiewicz, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: BIS Records

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Following their acclaimed 2024 release of C.P.E. Bach’s Hamburg Symphonies, the Arte dei Suonatori ensemble and conductor-harpsichordist Marcin Świątkiewicz return with the Berlin Symphonies. Composed between 1755 and 1758, these earlier works are presented here in a historic first: a complete recording of all six symphonies in their original versions for strings and harpsichord continuo alone, omitting the wind parts added later. Utilizing a compact instrumental force, the performance emphasizes a chamber-like transparency where every musician is heard on equal footing. Grounded in historically informed practices, Świątkiewicz's direction draws deep analogies between the music's heightened emotionality (Empfindsamkeit), poetry, prosody, and period dance forms.

Founded 30 years ago by violinists Ewa and Arek Goliński, Arte dei Suonatori is a pioneering force in Poland’s historically informed performance movement and a leading ensemble on the international music scene. Merging historical instruments with a style that is simultaneously authentic and modern, the orchestra maintains a vast repertoire of over 700 compositions spanning the 17th century to the contemporary era. The group tours extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, broadcasting widely on international radio and television. Their highly decorated discography features 18 acclaimed albums on labels like BIS and Alpha, earning prestigious accolades including a Gramophone Award, multiple Diapason d’Or prizes, and a BBC Music Magazine Editor's Choice. In recent years, the ensemble has enjoyed a particularly fruitful collaboration with harpsichordist and conductor Marcin Świątkiewicz.