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

Influence of Composers of the Empfindsamer Stil Other Than Emanuel Bach

I asked ChatGPT4o: "Are there any composers of the Empfindsamer Stil, other than Emanuel Bach, who had a significant influence on later generations?"

1. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the brother of Emanuel Bach, played an important role in the early development of the Empfindsamer Stil. His free and improvisational keyboard music, in particular, demonstrates the rich emotional expression characteristic of the style, and it uniquely influenced later musicians.

2. Friedrich Gottlob Fleischer

Correcting the Japanese notation, Fleischer was a composer who reflected the aesthetics of the Empfindsamer Stil, focusing on keyboard music. He contributed to the dissemination of the style not only through direct influence but also through education.

3. Carl Friedrich Abel

Abel was a viola da gamba player and composer influenced by the Empfindsamer Stil. His music is characterized by emotional and gentle expression, extending the ideals of the style to other instrumental realms. He was active in London alongside Johann Christian Bach, and their activities influenced the development of later musical culture.

4. Franz Benda

Benda was a representative violinist and composer of the Empfindsamer Stil. His violin sonatas and concertos feature delicate emotional expression and ornamental melodies, embodying the typical characteristics of the style. His style also influenced contemporary composers.

5. Johann Gottlieb Graun

Graun was an important composer who reflected the music of the Empfindsamer Stil in instrumental works. His concertos and chamber music, in particular, possess delicate and lyrical characteristics that influenced later composers.

Summary

Besides Emanuel Bach, there are several composers who contributed to the development of the Empfindsamer Stil and conveyed its ideals and musical expressions to later generations. Composers like Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Benda, and Graun, in particular, created works that touched the core of the style while maintaining their uniqueness. These figures are indispensable in laying the foundation for Classical and Romantic music.

Before the above exchange, ChatGPT4o mentioned Haydn, so I asked ChatGPT4o: "What are some of Haydnʼs early works that show the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil?"

Some of Haydnʼs early works exhibit the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil. Here are a few works where these characteristics are evident:

1. Keyboard Sonatas (Klaviersonaten)

Some of Haydnʼs early keyboard sonatas possess characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil. Notably, the following works stand out:

• Piano Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI:20 (circa 1771)

  • The key of C minor itself is a choice that emphasizes emotional fluctuations.
  • The first movement is characterized by a dramatic unison opening and unstable harmonic progressions, showcasing the tension typical of the Empfindsamer Stil.
  • The second movement (Andante con moto) is notable for its introspective and emotional expression.
  • The third movement (Finale: Allegro) has a rapid and driving character while expressing emotional fluctuations.

• Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52 (circa 1780)

  • Although a later work, it retains the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil.
  • The second movement (Adagio) is characterized by emotional expression with extensive use of ornamentation.

2. Symphonies (Sinfonien)

Some of Haydnʼs symphonies also exhibit the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil. The following are examples:

• Symphony No. 26 in D minor, Hob. I:26 "Lamentatione" (1768)

  • This symphony is written in a minor key, with prominent dramatic emotional expression.
  • The first movementʼs theme is characterized by a melancholic melody and unstable harmonies, reflecting the sentimental aspect of the Empfindsamer Stil.
  • The second movement is based on a Passion Week hymn ("Lamentatione"), featuring a serene melody with introspective expression typical of the style.

• Symphony No. 44 in E minor, Hob. I:44 "Trauer" (circa 1771)

  • This symphony is also in a minor key, emphasizing dramatic elements.
  • Particularly, the second movement (Adagio) expresses quiet and internal emotions, suggesting the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil.

• Symphony No. 49 in F minor, Hob. I:49 "La Passione" (1768)

  • It features a "church sonata" style structure with all movements in sonata form.
  • The slow and dramatic opening of the first movement, the dialogic melody of the second movement, and the shaded expression in the minuet of the third movement all prominently display characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil.

3. Chamber Music

Some of Haydnʼs chamber music works also suggest the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil.

• String Quartet in E minor, Op. 20 No. 4 (1772)
  • The Op. 20 string quartets mark a period when Haydn began to expand the range of emotional expression.
  • Particularly, the first movement of this fourth quartet features dialogic and sentimental melodies, bearing characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil.

Summary

Some of Haydnʼs early works exhibit the influence of the Empfindsamer Stil. The characteristics of the style are particularly evident in works in minor keys and in emotionally expressive slow movements. These works are considered to have developed uniquely under the influence of Emanuel Bach and Wilhelm Friedemann Bach.

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