On many levels, the music is reminiscent of Vivaldi mixed with Johann Sebastian, but the genteel fabric, most notably in the slow movement, is tossed up by awkward elbow jabs of sound. It is vigorous and edgy, posing plenty of finger challenges for the violins. Happily, there is never a dull moment in this score.
C.P.E Bach offers a more refined style, sensitive and more gracious, fitting with early classical music developed later by Haydn and Mozart. Unfortunately, we don’t hear his music often, and after experiencing this Cello Concerto in A Major (Wq 172), I am dumbfounded as to why.