The three sonatas that appear on this volume — in A, E minor and B flat major — were all composed in 1763, as the Seven Years’ War ended and Carl Philipp Emanuel resumed normal service as Frederick the Great’s harpsichordist. These are inventive, cogent works of contrasting characters: the A major with a lovely slow movement sandwiched between exciting outer ones, the E minor short and eloquently intimate, the B flat major imposing, almost symphonic. Throughout the disc, Bach’s original turn of mind is always in evidence.
The pieces work well on the clavichord, and Miklos Spanyi’s ability to make the music sparkle and sing lends additional allure. Three stars