Top > Composition Categories of C.P.E. Bach

This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.

Composition Categories of C.P.E. Bach

ChatGPT4o asked: "It is said that Emanuel Bach distinguishes between the pieces he composed to earn money and those he composed for himself in his autobiography. What kind of pieces fall into each category?"

Emanuel Bach (C.P.E. Bach) states in his autobiography that among his works, there are those composed to earn income and those composed for his own artistic satisfaction. This distinction also influences the characteristics and style of his works.

1. Pieces composed to earn money:

   • Hamburg Symphonies [Wq. 182]: These symphonies were composed to meet the expectations of the audience, particularly in his duties in Hamburg. They are characterized by a more popular and accessible style.
   • Religious Music: Religious music composed for the church also falls into this category. These were written as part of his duties and in response to the demands of his employers.

2. Pieces composed for himself:

   • Works for Keyboard Instruments [Wq. 56, etc.]: These include particularly free-form fantasies and sonatas requiring sophisticated techniques. They reflect his own artistic curiosity and experimental spirit.
   • Clavier Music: Works such as “Clavier Exercises” [Wq. 63-7 to 12, etc.] and “Sonatas for Flute” were composed to explore his personal tastes and experimental ideas.

Emanuel Bach created works with diverse styles and forms while balancing his identity as a composer with economic necessities. From his autobiography, one can understand how these two aspects influenced his music.

ChatGPT4o asked: "Are all symphonies and sinfonias classified as pieces composed to earn money?"

Not all of Emanuel Bachʼs (C.P.E. Bach) symphonies and sinfonias are classified as “composed to earn money.” In fact, his symphonies and sinfonias belong to both categories.

Symphonies and Sinfonias composed to earn money

• Hamburg Symphonies (Wq. 182): These symphonies were composed as part of his duties as the music director of the five main churches in Hamburg, specifically to meet the expectations of the audience.
• Symphonies from the Berlin Period: Symphonies composed during his time as a member of the court orchestra of King Frederick II of Prussia were also created in response to court demands.

Symphonies and Sinfonias composed for himself

• Berlin Symphonies (Wq. 173 to Wq. 181): Some of these symphonies were composed to explore his own musical curiosity and innovative ideas, with a strong intent for artistic satisfaction.
• Sinfonias (Wq. 183): These later works are more personal and experimental, reflecting his musical vision and were composed as part of his artistic expression.

Thus, Emanuel Bachʼs symphonies and sinfonias include both those written to earn income and those written for himself. Which category each work belongs to depends on the background and intent of its composition.

ChatGPT4o asked: “Into which category do various concertos fall?”

Emanuel Bachʼs (C.P.E. Bach) concertos, like his symphonies and sinfonias, include both those composed to earn income and those composed for his own artistic satisfaction.

Concertos composed to earn money

• Concertos from the Berlin Period: Concertos composed during his time as a member of the court orchestra of King Frederick II of Prussia were written in response to court demands. These were tailored to the kingʼs tastes and court events, with a focus on being well-received by the audience.
• Concertos from the Hamburg Period: Many concertos were composed as part of his duties in Hamburg, particularly for public concerts and church events.

Concertos composed for himself

• Concertos for Keyboard Instruments (Wq. 43, Wq. 46-47, Wq. 112): These concertos reflect his personal experimental curiosity and were composed to explore new techniques and musical ideas, characterized by improvisational elements and free forms.
• Flute Concertos (Wq. 166-168): These works were written for his brother, Friedrich Bach, emphasizing artistic satisfaction as works for personal connections and family.

Exceptional Cases

• Viola da Gamba Concertos (Wq. 170-172): These concertos were composed for Ludwig Christian Wittingen, a renowned viola da gamba player of the time, serving both as a means to earn income and as part of his artistic exploration.

Emanuel Bachʼs concertos, like his other works, can be classified into “composed to earn money” and “composed for himself” based on the background and intent of their composition. Which category each work belongs to depends on its purpose and circumstances.

ChatGPT4o asked: “What instruments could Emanuel Bach play?”

Emanuel Bach (C.P.E. Bach) was a versatile musician with the ability to play several instruments. Below are the main instruments he could play.

1. Clavichord

• Details: Emanuel Bach was known as a master of the clavichord. The clavichord was a primary keyboard instrument of his time, and many of his improvisations and exercises were written for this instrument.
• Characteristics: The clavichord is characterized by its soft tone and subtle nuances, making it suitable for his delicate expression.

2. Harpsichord

• Details: The harpsichord was another instrument in which Emanuel Bach was proficient. Many of his sonatas and concertos for keyboard instruments were composed with the harpsichord in mind.
• Characteristics: The harpsichordʼs clear tone is suitable for his complex Baroque-style music.

3. Fortepiano

• Details: The fortepiano, positioned between the clavichord and harpsichord, was an instrument to which Bach contributed its development. He also left works for the fortepiano, exploring its possibilities.
• Characteristics: The fortepiano allows for a wide range of dynamic expression, providing new expressive breadth to his works.

4. Flute

• Details: Emanuel Bach was also proficient in playing the flute. This is related to his activities at the court of King Frederick II of Prussia, who was an excellent flutist himself, leading Bach to become familiar with this instrument.
• Characteristics: He composed numerous sonatas and concertos for the flute, utilizing his performance skills and expression.

5. Violin

• Details: Bach also played the violin. His early education included violin training, and some of his works feature the violin prominently.
• Characteristics: The violin was a major string instrument of the Baroque era, aiding his musical understanding.

Through these instruments, Emanuel Bach honed his compositional techniques and performance skills, pursuing diverse musical expressions. His versatility is reflected in the breadth and depth of his works.

ChatGPT4o asked: "For whom were the Flute Sonatas Wq. 123-131, 133, 134 written?"

The Flute Sonatas Wq. 123-131, 133, 134 by Emanuel Bach (C.P.E. Bach) were mainly composed during his time at the court of King Frederick II of Prussia. During this period, he composed many flute works for Frederick II (Frederick the Great) himself and the courtʼs flutists.

Influence of Frederick II (Frederick the Great)

• Frederick the Great: Frederick II was an enthusiastic flutist and deeply loved music. He regularly held musical evenings at the court, where he sometimes played the flute himself. Emanuel Bach, working at this court, composed many flute works for Frederick the Great.
• Purpose of the Sonatas: The Flute Sonatas Wq. 123-131, 133, 134 are believed to have been written to match Frederick the Greatʼs performance skills. These works were composed to draw out his advanced performance skills and musical sensibility.

Court Flutists

• Other Performers: Besides Frederick the Great, there were many excellent flutists at the court. Emanuel Bachʼs flute sonatas may also have been written for these performers. These sonatas were composed to be performed at court concerts and musical evenings.
• Concert Works: These sonatas were intended to be showcased at court concerts and private musical gatherings, with their technical demands and musical appeal meeting the high abilities of the flutists of the time.

Summary

The Flute Sonatas Wq. 123-131, Wq. 133, Wq. 134 by Emanuel Bach were composed mainly for King Frederick II of Prussia and the courtʼs flutists, responding to their advanced performance skills and musical demands. These sonatas represent the culmination of Bachʼs compositional techniques and musical exploration for the flute, forming an important part of court music at the time.

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