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The Influence of Scarlatti on J.S. Bach
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
The Influence of Scarlatti on Sebastian Bach
I asked ChatGPT4o: “I made a mistake. How did Sebastian Bach learn from Scarlattiʼs music?”
There are several possibilities regarding how Johann Sebastian Bach (J.S. Bach) learned from Domenico Scarlattiʼs music. Below, I will explain these methods in detail.
1. Acquisition and Study of Scores
Handwritten Scores
- Exchange among Musicians:
- In the early 18th century, musicians exchanged works through handwritten scores. Bach may have encountered Scarlattiʼs works by exchanging scores with other musicians.
- Private Collection:
- Bach had an extensive collection of scores, which included works by other composers. Scarlattiʼs works might have been part of this collection.
Published Scores
- Early Printed Scores:
- Scarlattiʼs "Essercizi per Gravicembalo" was published in 1738, and it might have reached Bach. This collection was widely known, so it is possible that Bach acquired and studied it.
2. Direct Interaction among Musicians
Interactions in Dresden and Leipzig
- Interaction with European Musicians:
- Bach was active in Dresden and Leipzig, which were centers where musicians gathered. He might have had opportunities to interact with other musicians and learn about Scarlattiʼs works in these places.
Through Other Musicians
- Contemporary Musicians:
- Contemporary musicians of Bach, especially his sons, might have been interested in Scarlattiʼs works and introduced them to Bach. Particularly, C.P.E. Bach was influenced by Scarlatti, and through him, Bach might have learned about Scarlattiʼs music.
3. Dissemination and Education of Music
Education and Study
- Music Theory and Education:
- Bach was also active as a music educator, and he might have studied Scarlattiʼs works and taught them to his students, thereby researching his style.
References
- Ralph Kirkpatrick: "Domenico Scarlatti" (1953)
- This book details Scarlattiʼs life and works and also touches on his influence.
- Charles Burney: "A General History of Music" (1776-1789)
- It provides a detailed explanation of the history of Baroque music and Scarlattiʼs influence.
- Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician by Christoph Wolff:
- This biography provides information on Bachʼs music education and research, and it also touches on how he was influenced by other composers.
Through these elements, it is possible that Johann Sebastian Bach learned from Domenico Scarlattiʼs music and incorporated his techniques and style into his own works. Although specific literature and evidence are limited, it is quite conceivable that he was influenced by Scarlatti through handwritten scores and interactions among musicians.