This is a blog about this site, which introduces the lesser-known Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
C. P. E. Bach composed numerous solo keyboard pieces and concertos, and here we have selected seven keyboard concertos. At the time, the modern piano did not yet exist, and its predecessors, the fortepiano and harpsichord, were mainly used as solo instruments, but there are also performances using the tangent piano. Additionally, he wrote cello concertos, oboe concertos, and flute concertos, from which we have selected a few pieces each. By following the links, you can immediately listen to performances on YouTube.
Out of nearly 60 keyboard concertos, we have selected eight. These pieces were performed using the harpsichord and the fortepiano, the precursor to the modern piano, as solo instruments. The 18th century was a period of significant development for keyboard instruments, and C. P. E. Bach was at the forefront of composition and performance for these instruments. He began composing keyboard concertos while he was still a student, and continued revising them for over a decade, resulting in his first work, Wq. 1, being a highly polished piece that showcases the charm of his Empfindsamer Stil. Here, we focus on works from Wq. 14 onwards, where his compositional techniques were refined.
C. P. E. Bachʼs keyboard concertos are a collection of works that established a unique musical world between the Baroque and Classical periods. They are characterized by expressive emotion in the Empfindsamer Stil, harmoniously balancing formal symmetry with the free expression of emotions.
These eight pieces were composed between the 1740s and 1770s, allowing one to sense the evolution of his musical style. In his early works, Baroque counterpoint remains, while in the middle period and beyond, bold harmonic progressions and formal experiments become prominent. Particularly, the B Minor Wq. 30 and C Minor Wq. 31 stand out for their deep emotional expression and technical prowess.
These concertos were intended to be performed on the keyboard instruments of the time (clavichord, harpsichord, and early fortepiano), allowing for different nuances depending on the instrument used. These emotionally rich and characterful works are recommended even for those new to C. P. E. Bachʼs music. [Revised summary by ChatGPT4o.]
C. P. E. Bach composed three (or more) cello concertos. These pieces can also be heard as keyboard concertos through arrangements. We considered recommending one piece as a standout, but as it was difficult to choose, we have listed all three.
C. P. E. Bachʼs cello concertos are a collection of works that demonstrate the rich expressiveness of the Empfindsamer Stil through the form of a cello solo, symbolizing the transition from the Baroque to the Classical period. Each of these three pieces has a distinct character, featuring a structure that takes advantage of the celloʼs unique soft timbre and technical passages. The A Major is bright and lively, the B-flat Major combines approachability with brilliance, and the A Minor is dramatic and emotional, showcasing a skillful dialogue between the cello and orchestra.
In the slow movements of each piece, particularly lyrical melodies stand out, fully showcasing the expressive power of the cello. These concertos are masterpieces that explore the wide expressive range of the cello while allowing one to experience the emotionally rich musical world of C. P. E. Bach. They serve as an excellent introduction for those new to his music, offering the beauty and depth of the cello. [Revised summary by ChatGPT4o.]
C. P. E. Bach composed two oboe concertos. These pieces can also be heard as keyboard concertos through arrangements.
C. P. E. Bachʼs oboe concertos are masterpieces that express the Empfindsamer Stil through the form of an oboe solo, allowing one to feel his originality situated between the Baroque and Classical periods. These two pieces utilize the singing tone and technical passages of the oboe, focusing on the dialogue between the solo instrument and the orchestra.
The interplay of brilliance and introspective emotion creates a different atmosphere for each key. The B-flat Major Wq. 164 is characterized by a bright and lively nature. The E-flat Major Wq. 165, while possessing a brilliant and majestic character, also features delicate emotional expressions throughout. These oboe concertos maximize the characteristics of the instruments of the time, filled with C. P. E. Bachʼs emotional depth and musical ingenuity. [Revised summary by ChatGPT4o.]
C. P. E. Bach composed six or more flute concertos. These pieces can also be heard as keyboard concertos through arrangements.
C. P. E. Bachʼs flute concertos reflect the Empfindsamer Stil and make use of the fluteʼs elegant and delicate timbre. Each of these three pieces has a distinct character, demonstrating his creativity and diversity during the transition from the Baroque to the Classical period. The D Major Wq. 13 is characterized by its brilliant and approachable melodies. The G Major Wq. 169 is charming for its pastoral atmosphere brought by the gentle and soft tonality of G Major. The balance of each movement is well-maintained, with the singing melodies of the flute harmonizing impressively with the orchestra. The D Minor Wq. 22-1 is a more dramatic and emotional work, strongly reflecting the characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil.
These concertos utilize the fluteʼs technique and expressiveness, showcasing C. P. E. Bachʼs unique musical personality. They are easy to enjoy even for beginners and serve as an ideal entry point to discover the depth of his music. [Revised summary by ChatGPT4o.]