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C. P. E. Bachʼs Keyboard Concertos Suitable for Organ
This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.
C. P. E. Bachʼs Keyboard Concertos Suitable for Organ
I asked ChatGPT4o: "Which of C. P. E. Bachʼs keyboard concertos are suitable for performance on the organ?"
When considering which of C. P. E. Bachʼs keyboard concertos are suitable for organ performance, several factors are important.
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Instrument Adaptability
- Works intended for the clavichord or fortepiano often have many dynamic changes, which can be difficult to express on the organ without stop manipulation.
- On the other hand, works with strong Baroque influences can be naturally performed on the organ.
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Texture and Composition
- Some of Bachʼs concertos include organ-like polyphony and sustained notes, making them suitable for the organ.
- Conversely, pieces with a light touch or frequent repeated notes are not suitable for the organ.
Works That May Be Easier to Perform on the Organ
1. Early Concertos (Wq. 1 to Wq. 7)
- These still have strong Baroque writing, making them relatively easy to perform on the organ.
- In particular, Wq. 1 (H. 403, D minor) and Wq. 3 (H. 405, E-flat major) have harmonies and textures suitable for the organ.
2. Middle Period Concertos (Wq. 22, Wq. 23, Wq. 24, etc.)
- In these works, C. P. E. Bachʼs unique empfindsamer Stil becomes more pronounced, but Wq. 22 (H. 425, E-flat major) may adapt well to the organʼs majestic sound.
3. Concertos with Ritornello-Form Finales
- Wq. 31 (H. 441, C minor)
- Wq. 32 (H. 442, G minor)
- Wq. 33 (H. 443, F major)
- These have clear harmonic progressions and sustained bass (suitable for organ pedals), making organ performance possible.
4. Works with Few Ornaments, Resonant on the Organ
- Wq. 43-3 (H. 473, E-flat major)
- Wq. 40 (H. 467, E-flat major)
- These are adaptations of oboe concertos or other instrumental concertos and may be easier to perform on the organ.
Considerations for Performance
- Tempo: Some fast movements (such as Prestissimo) can be challenging on the organ.
- Dynamics: Works with frequent crescendos and decrescendos require creative solutions for organ performance.
- Registration (Stop Selection): For works with a light style, choosing stops that emphasize legato playing rather than full organ is necessary.
Overall, Wq. 1, Wq. 3, Wq. 22, Wq. 31, Wq. 32, Wq. 40 are likely suitable for performance on the organ.
After this, we discussed the recording of Wq. 34 performed on the organ, which is detailed in "Organ Performance of Keyboard Concerto Wq. 34."