Homepage > Musicians Related to C.P.E. Bach > J.S. Bach (Sebastian) > J.S. Bach and the Empfindsamer Stil
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Sebastian Bach, Fantasia BWV 906 and the Empfindsamer Stil
Asked ChatGPT4o: "It is often said that Emanuelʼs musical style differs from his fatherʼs, but pieces like BWV 906 and BWV 1052 seem to be written in the Empfindsamer Stil, suggesting that Emanuel inherited this style. Is that incorrect?"
As you mentioned, some of Johann Sebastian Bachʼs works, particularly BWV 906 (the unfinished Fantasia and Fugue) and BWV 1052 (Concerto in D minor), indeed exhibit characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil. The emotional expression and sudden shifts in mood in these pieces resemble elements that Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach later developed in his own music.
Similarities Between Father and Emanuel
These pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach can be seen as containing pioneering elements of the Empfindsamer Stil, which Emanuel later expanded upon. In particular, they share the following traits:
- BWV 906 features a highly free form and strong emotional expression. This freedom and rapid emotional changes are characteristics that align with Emanuel Bachʼs style.
- BWV 1052 displays dramatic expression and contrapuntal structure, while also anticipating Emanuelʼs fondness for rapid emotional shifts and harmonic instability.
Differences from Emanuel
However, the differences between Johann Sebastian Bachʼs works and Emanuelʼs should not be overlooked. While Emanuel inherited his fatherʼs traditions, he explored more emotional and introspective expressions, emphasizing freer forms and improvisational elements. The Empfindsamer Stil not only emphasized emotional expression but also developed unique techniques such as sudden contrasts, abrupt modulations, and rhythmic shifts. In this regard, Emanuel advanced beyond his fatherʼs style.
Conclusion
It is correct to say that Emanuel Bachʼs Empfindsamer Stil was influenced by certain aspects of Johann Sebastian Bachʼs works, especially BWV 906 and BWV 1052. However, Emanuel further developed this style into something more free and emotionally rich, distinguishing himself from his father.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Besides BWV 906 and BWV 1052, are there other pieces by Sebastian that seem to pass on an emotional style to Emanuel?"
Several works by Johann Sebastian Bach contain elements related to the Empfindsamer Stil, characterized by sensitivity, rapid emotional shifts, and introspective expression, which were later developed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. Below are some of Sebastian Bachʼs works that reflect features akin to the Empfindsamer Stil and might have influenced Emanuel:
1. Italian Concerto, BWV 971
This piece, while grounded in a clear formal structure, exhibits delicate and emotional expression. The second movement (Andante) in particular shows deeply emotional expression akin to the Empfindsamer Stil, foreshadowing the expressive style Emanuel later developed.
2. Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 906
As already mentioned, this piece strongly embodies the Empfindsamer Stil. The Fantasia section, in particular, is highly emotional and improvisational, anticipating Emanuelʼs later Fantasias.
3. Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
This concerto is notable for its dramatic contrasts and emotional expression. The second movement (Adagio) is deeply introspective, aligning with the emotional depth that Emanuel later explored in his own works.
4. Partita No. 2 in D minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004
The final movement, the "Chaconne," is highly dramatic and emotionally charged, with profound emotional shifts. While structurally Baroque, its depth of feeling resonates with the expressive style that Emanuel pursued.
5. Musical Offering, BWV 1079
This late work, particularly in its canons and ricercars, integrates profound emotional expression within highly sophisticated contrapuntal writing. The introspective nature of these pieces parallels the Empfindsamer Stil.
6. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Though formally strict, this set of variations includes emotionally expressive and dramatically contrasting movements. The 25th variation ("Black Pearl") especially stands out for its somber and emotive character, hinting at Emanuelʼs expressive style.
7. Cantata "Ich habe genug," BWV 82
The aria "Ich habe genug" is profoundly introspective and emotional, reflecting the personal and spiritual struggles characteristic of the Empfindsamer Stil, which Emanuel later explored more deeply.
8. Aria "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" from the St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
This aria conveys deep sorrow and pain in a dramatic manner. Its emotional depth aligns with the sensitivity and expressiveness pursued by Emanuel in his music.
These works demonstrate that Johann Sebastian Bach did not strictly adhere to traditional Baroque forms but explored emotional expression that Emanuel would later develop further into the freer and more expressive Empfindsamer Stil.