“…These early sonatas may not be music you will listen to often, but Yates does them justice, and makes them well worth hearing. Recommended.”

Jerry Dubins

 

“Here are JC Bach’s Six Sonatas, Op 5, performed by Sophie Yates on a particularly lovely sounding harpsichord. The tone is light, powdery and effervescent. …Yates plays with poise and reserve. …”

 Benjamin Katz
 

“Yates proves herself delightfully susceptible to the ready charm of Bach’s sonatas. Her phrasing is elegant and her virtuosity impeccable. There is plenty of expressive variety in the music and not all of it is as technically straightforward as it sounds – a true Bach family trait.
Bach’s early years in London were notably successful and his music was eagerly sought by all who aspired to heights of fashion and good taste. It is not hard to see why, as this irresistibly communicative recital demonstrates. Plaudits are in order for composer and performer alike.”

Nicholas Anderson

“Yates always lets the music speak for itself and this recording will do much to promote the composer as well as bringing pleasure to listeners.”

Noel O’Regan

“Sophie Yates has already recorded a number of critically acclaimed CDs for the Chandos label, and this rewarding release is richly deserving of equal status. The harpsichord sound is rich and non-fatiguing, and you would have to have a serious harpsichord allergy not to be able to listen to and appreciate the music and these wonderful performances beyond any negative predisposition for plucked resonance. The recording is stunning: detailed and spacious at the same time, a real delight. Sophie Yates’s strength, beyond superlative technique, is in allowing the voice of the composer to speak with a directness and clarity which is unaffected and natural. J.C. has a glint in his eye on the cover of this CD, and Sophie looks out at us from the back of the booklet with a look filled with comparable intelligence and wit. These are two artists connected by comparable creative sensitivity, and the evidence is clear from the music on this excellent CD.”

Dominy Clements

“Bach’s Sonata’s are enormously appealing and Yates brings out their ingenious charm with natural grace and a fluent virtuosity which avoids anything in the nature of overstatement or empty gesture. Yate’s elegant phrasing is a constant source of pleasure. It is not hard to see why, for the genial style of JC Bach is irresistible and Yates communicates it with affection and expressive warmth.”
Performance *****       Recording *****

Nicholas Anderson

“Sophie Yates confirms her credentials as one of Britain’s most talented harpsichordists.”