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Friedrich II (Friedrich the Great)
This section summarizes the life and musical involvement of King Friedrich II (Friedrich the Great), focusing on his relationship with Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, as compiled by ChatGPT4o.
Friedrich II (1712–1786), known as the King of Prussia, was a monarch renowned for his enlightened rule and enthusiastic support of music and the arts. He was an accomplished flutist and composer himself. His court attracted many outstanding musicians, including Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
The Relationship Between Friedrich II and Emanuel Bach
1. Invitation to the Court Orchestra
While still Crown Prince, Friedrich II invited Emanuel Bach to join his court. As a result, Bach served the Prussian court for 28 years starting in 1738. He performed as a keyboardist in the royal orchestra and accompanied Friedrichʼs own compositions, such as his flute sonatas and concertos.
2. Friedrichʼs Musical Preferences
Friedrich II had a deep love for the flute and studied under Johann Joachim Quantz to refine his skills. His musical tastes leaned toward the galant and empfindsamer (sensitive) styles, which influenced Emanuel Bachʼs compositional approach.
3. Role at the Court
Beyond his performances with the royal orchestra, Emanuel Bach supported Friedrichʼs flute playing by providing sophisticated music that met the king’s refined tastes. Bach was also highly regarded for his solo keyboard performances and improvisations.
4. "The Musical Offering"
In 1747, when Friedrich invited Johann Sebastian Bach to his court, Emanuel Bach performed the basso continuo. J.S. Bach composed the **"Musikalisches Opfer" (The Musical Offering)** based on a theme presented by Friedrich during this visit, with Emanuel actively participating in this historic moment.
5. Relationship in Later Years
In 1768, Emanuel Bach moved to Hamburg, defying Friedrich the Greatʼs opposition, thus weakening their direct relationship. However, the compositional and performance techniques Bach developed during his court service greatly influenced his later works.
The Significance of the Relationship with Friedrich II
Emanuel Bachʼs time at Friedrich IIʼs court was pivotal in his growth as a musician. His experiences there contributed to the development of the empfindsamer Stil and the evolution of keyboard music, leaving a lasting impact on later composers. This relationship symbolizes the vibrant musical culture of the mid-18th century.
[Note] In the mid-18th century, the fortepiano was not yet widely used. Having access to the fortepiano at the court was likely a significant advantage for Emanuel Bach in his service there.
In 1738, when Emanuel Bach arrived in Berlin to join the musical ensemble of Crown Prince Friedrich II, the prince had already begun establishing his musical institution. This initiative was pursued despite the disapproval of his father, Friedrich Wilhelm I. Unlike his father, who had nearly dismantled the musical corps founded by Friedrich I, Friedrich II recognized the importance of music.
Upon ascending to the throne in 1740, Friedrich II founded the Berlin Opera House, and the number of employed musicians increased from 17 in 1736 to 35 by the early 1740s.
Friedrichʼs most trusted musicians included Johann Joachim Quantz (1697–1773) and Carl Heinrich Graun (c. 1704–1759), both of whom achieved widespread fame during their lifetimes.