In Ep. 28, we take a closer look at the life of Anna Magdalena Wilcke, beloved second wife of Sebastian Bach. Anna came from a long line of musicians, and was an accomplished musician herself. At the age of 20, or possibly sooner, she attained a coveted position as soprano in the Cöthen Capelle then under Sebastian's direction, who often featured her as a soloist. After their marriage in 1721 and subsequent move to Leipzig, she was a key player in the Bach family business, teaching students, copying music, making sure everyone was practicing, and generally keeping things in good working order. She was also the step-mother of Bach’s two famous sons by Maria Barbara, Friedemann and Emanuel, seeing them through difficult adolescent years, and mother to one of the most brilliant and influential composers of the 18th century, Johann Christian Bach, who was worshipped by no less a figure than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

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Music heard in this episode:

1. Organ Trio Sonata in G major, BWV 530, mvt. 1, arr. Michael Way
2. Cantata No.51 - I. Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen.2
3. Brandenburg Concerto no. 4 in G major, BWV 1049, Presto
4. Partita no. 5 in G major, BWV 829, mvt. 6 Passapied, arr. Michael Way
5. Ice run zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639, arr. Michael Way
6. Organ Trio Sonata in G major, BWV 530, mvt. 3, arr. Michael Way

 

Tracks 1, 4, 5, 6

Stephen Nordstrom - Violin

Kevin Nordstrom - Viola

Michael Way - Cello, arranger