Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784), the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, was highly regarded for his talents in composition, keyboard playing, and violin performance. Johann Sebastian wrote “Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach” for him when he was ten years old, showing how dedicated he was to his son’s musical education. Wilhelm Friedemann was fortunate to grow up in an environment that nurtured his musical abilities, however, unfortunately, his works are not as widely known today.
Some of Wilhelm Friedemann’s surviving pieces, like his fantasias for keyboard and the Six Duets for Two Flutes, still find performance opportunities. Although his music may not have the same rigorous structure as his father’s, it has a unique freedom and charm.