Johann Christian Bach

Six Grand Overtures op. 18, No. 2: Sinfonia in B-flat

Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782), the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach and widely known as the "London Bach," composed his Sinfonia in B-flat major, No. 2 around 1775 as part of his Six Grand Overtures, Op. 18. Published in London, these works reflect the elegant galant style for which J.C. Bach became famous and which profoundly influenced the young Mozart during his visits to England. Although titled "overtures," the set functions essentially as symphonies. The Sinfonia in B-flat also served as the overture to Bach's opera Lucio Silla, W. G9, demonstrating the close relationship in the eighteenth century between operatic overtures and independent concert symphonies. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.0.0.0: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set). Reprinted edition edited by Friedrich Wilhelm "Fritz" Stein.