Although he was born in Leipzig, Johann Christian Bach is often referred to as ‘The London Bach’. He was a pivotal figure in the transition between the Baroque and Classical eras, and a major influence on the young Mozart, who so loved the Italianate lyricism in the influential Sonatas Op. 5 that he used them as templates for his early keyboard concertos. As an avid proponent of the newly emerging fortepiano, J.C. Bach wrote beautiful works in the galant style which took full advantage of the instrument’s expressive capabilities. Rachel Heard’s recording of his Sonatas Op. 17 can be heard on 9.70168.