Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Ich bin ein Hamburger

Donald Macleod finds out what life was like for the Bach family in the more commercial atmosphere of Hamburg, where he took over as musical director of five churches.

Ich bin ein Hamburger

In 1768 CPE Bach left Berlin after 30 years' service at the court of Frederick the Great of Prussia and started a new job in Hamburg, where he took over from his godfather, Telemann, as musical director of the city's five most prominent churches. Life was good - according to one visitor, "Bach has a talkative wife, a rather unattractive but well-mannered daughter, a son who is a lawyer, good wine and good beer". Donald Macleod finds out what life was like for the Bach family in the more commercial atmosphere of Hamburg, the biggest port and trading centre of the German lands.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Symphony in D major Wq.183`1

    Orchestra: The English Concert. Conductor: Andrew Manze.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI : HMU-907 403.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • 1.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Die Israeliten in der Wuste - oratorio Wq.238

    Singer: Barbara Schlick. Singer: Lena Lootens. Singer: Hein Meens. Singer: Stephen Varcoe. Choir: Corona Coloniensis. Orchestra: Cappella Coloniensis. Director: William Christie.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI : HM-901321.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • 16.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Leite mich nach deinem willen H.835 for voices and ensemble

    Ensemble: Himlische Cantorey. Ensemble: Les Amis De Philippe. Director: Ludger Remy.
    • CPE BACH H.835/4.
    • CPO.
    • 1.
  • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

    Easter Music - cantata Wq.243 (Anbetung dem Erbarmer!) for soloists and orchest

    Choir: Rheinische Kantorei. Ensemble: Das Kleine Konzert. Conductor: Hermann Max.
    • CAPRICCIO : 4943-4.
    • CAPRICCIO.
    • 16.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 26 May 2011 12:00
  • Thu 26 May 2011 18:30
  • Thu 6 Mar 2014 12:00
  • Thu 6 Mar 2014 18:30

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.