Krebs: Keyboard Works, Vol. 5

This penultimate collection in Steven Devine's critically-acclaimed six-volume survey of the complete harpsichord works of Bach's favourite student, Johann Ludwig Krebs, features five of the six 'Galanterie-Suiten' [Galant Suites] that form the fourth part of Krebs' 'Clavierubung'. The complete set of six suites were published in 1746 and, although set in the classic framework of the Baroque Suite, actually feature the most up-to-date stylist features including, dramatic unison writing, charming 'cantabile' melodies and a wide range of stylish dance-forms. Krebs' use of titles pays direct hommage to his beloved teacher, but his harmonic and textural language offers us a fascinating insight into the changing fashions of musical taste and composers' attempts to keep with them.