3 Bachatellattacca was premiered at a concert with works by both J.S. Bach and his son C.Ph.E. Bach, and with a focus on the flute. Mutual element for father and son in combination with the flute seems to be the J.S. Bach-work Musikalisches Opfer. This musical present was written after a visit with the son, who had a position with the flute-playing Frederik the Great’s court in Berlin. J.S. Bach made the King write a theme on which he improvised a great fugue. Later Bach sent the music, which contained a fine trio sonata with flute, to the King as a present.
In lack of a Royal theme, Mogens Christensen wrote for the Danish Prince Consort Prins Henrik. In an e-mail from the Prince Consort’s head of Secretariat, composer Mogens Christensen was informed that His Royal Highness was unfortunately unable to compose such a theme for him. In lack of a contemporary theme, Frederik the Great and J.S. Bach’s theme was re-cycled for the 3 Bachatellattacca. However, well hidden. The title arose from the words Bach – bagatels – attacca, because the three movements are performed attacca.
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