Gramophone Magazine

'We have only one Bach, whose manner is entirely original and peculiar to him alone.' One might fairly assume this statement from 1774 to be about Johann Sebastian Bach, today perhaps the most highly regarded composer of all, but in fact the Bach in question was Johann Sebastian's son, Carl Philipp Emanuel, who overshadowed his father for many years. This year marks the 300th anniversary of CPE Bach's birth and to celebrate Richard Wigmore has written an in-depth study of the man and his highly original music.

Also in this issue:

Jeremy Nicholas speaks to leading organists Cameron Carpenter and Thomas Trotter about how they are revolutionising the organ recital to appeal to new audiences.
Caroline Gill meets violinist Renaud Capuçon and discovers a man who, no matter what life throws at him, won't be distracted from his art.
The Musical Director of the Dunedin Consort, John Butt, discusses a new edition of Mozart's final work, the Requiem.
Tully Potter evaluates the legacy of recordings of the Smetana Quartet.
Marc Rochester explores the music of Scottish composer James MacMillan, whose music is proof that accessibility needn't involve artistic compromise.
Edward Breen chooses 10 recordings of music that demonstrate the oriental influences in Early music.
The focus of this month's Gramophone Collection is Vaughan Williams's ferocious Fourth Symphony, Andrew Achenbach seeks out the most rewarding recording.
And there is our newly expanded and completely unrivalled reviews section, featuring reviews of all of this month's essential classical recordings by our eminent and knowledgeable panel of experts. Pick up the May 2014 issue of Gramophone today!