Top > ★C.P.E. Bachʼs Musical Works > Keyboard Concertos by C.P.E. Bach

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

Keyboard Concertos by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

The following text is a summary by ChatGPT4o of Jane R. Stevensʼ notes from Miklós Spányiʼs CD (BIS-CD-707, 767).

About Carl Philipp Emanuel Bachʼs Keyboard Concertos

Background of the First Keyboard Concerto

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) composed his first keyboard concerto (H. 403 [Wq. 1]) at the age of 19. At that time, composing a concerto for keyboard alone was innovative, and few composers, apart from his father Johann Sebastian Bach, ventured into this genre. The foundation of this genre was the form of string concertos by the Italian Antonio Vivaldi, whose influence spread throughout Northern Europe.

The Berlin Period and the Role of Keyboard Concertos

Around 1738, when Emanuel was active as a keyboard player at the Berlin court, keyboard concertos played an important role in both public and private musical performances. These performances increased throughout the 18th century, becoming the origin of the modern concert format. Concertos adapted to the performance venues and developed for an intellectual audience.

Ritornello Form and Concerto Structure

Emanuelʼs concertos adopt the three-movement form developed by Vivaldi. Particularly noteworthy is the ritornello form in each movement. In this form, relatively long tutti sections are placed at the beginning and end, with the solo instrument taking center stage in the middle section. The tutti establishes the main key, which is reaffirmed in the concluding section, while the middle section features repeated ritornellos in related keys.

In the solo sections, the solo instrument complements the basso continuo while engaging in dialogue with the strings, often including short tutti insertions and string reinforcements. This form provides an important framework supporting the tonality and structure of the entire movement, shaping the diverse musical relationships between the strings and the keyboard instrument.

Choice of Instrument for Performance

Emanuel Bachʼs keyboard concertos are designed to be performed on various keyboard instruments. At the time, he used not only the harpsichord and fortepiano but also new instruments such as the tangent piano and hybrid instruments. Today, performers are required to make appropriate instrument choices, selecting instruments by combining historical context and subjective judgment within limited options.

List of Works

The introduction was written by ChatGPT4o.

Wq. 1 Keyboard Concerto in A minor (H.403) : An early concerto characterized by dramatic and tense melodies, showcasing Emanuel Bachʼs expressive style. The emotional fluctuations of the empfindsamer Stil are vividly reflected.
Wq. 2 Keyboard Concerto in E-flat major (H.404) : A work with a bright and brilliant sound, featuring refined melodies and virtuosic solos. The lively rhythm gives a sense of familiarity.
Wq. 3 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.405) : Known for its calm and approachable melodies, the elegant orchestration brings harmony to the entire work. The softness of the empfindsamer Stil is evident.
Wq. 4 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.406) : Notable for its lively and dynamic melodies, with vibrant dialogue between the soloist and orchestra. It features a bright and friendly atmosphere.
Wq. 5 Keyboard Concerto in C minor (H.407) : A work distinguished by tension and dramatic expression, with dark and powerful melodies leaving a strong impression. It is characterized by deep inner emotions.
Wq. 6 Keyboard Concerto in G minor (H.409) : A piece marked by melancholic melodies and powerful development, with engaging exchanges between the soloist and orchestra.
Wq. 7 Keyboard Concerto in A major (H.410) : With a bright and lively character, it features elegant and approachable melodies. The lively rhythm colors the entire piece.
Wq. 8 Keyboard Concerto in A major (H.411) : A work with calm and pleasant melodies, reflecting Emanuel Bachʼs refined style. It is a soft and approachable piece.
Wq. 9 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.412) : Known for its bright and lively melodies, with vibrant dialogue between the soloist and orchestra. It gives a refreshing and open impression.
Wq. 10 Keyboard Concerto in B-flat major (H.413) : A splendid and majestic work, characterized by clear melodies and solid structure. The balance between orchestra and soloist is exquisite.
Wq. 11 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.414) : A piece with lively rhythms and bright melodies, highlighting the brilliance of the solo instrument. It is full of dynamic energy.
Wq. 12 Keyboard Concerto in F major (H.415) : A work with calm and approachable melodies and a gentle sound. The harmony between soloist and orchestra creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Wq. 13 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.416) : Known for its bright and cheerful melodies, with light rhythms and virtuosic solos. It gives an open and clear impression.
Wq. 14 Keyboard Concerto in E major (H.417) : Featuring elegant and bright melodies, it harmoniously combines approachability and brilliance. The refined expression of the empfindsamer Stil stands out.
Wq. 15 Keyboard Concerto in E minor (H.418) : A work with dramatic and tense melodies, vividly depicting emotional fluctuations. It is characterized by deep expression.
Wq. 16 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.419) : A piece with lively and approachable melodies, colored by a vibrant sense of rhythm. The dialogue between soloist and orchestra is also appealing.
Wq. 17 Keyboard Concerto in D minor (H.420) : A work with powerful and dramatic themes, showcasing the solo instrumentʼs technique and expressiveness. The strength of emotion is prominent.
Wq. 18 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.421) : Known for its brilliant and sunny melodies, with lively dialogue between orchestra and solo instrument. The clear structure is appealing.
Wq. 19 Keyboard Concerto in A major (H.422) : A piece with bright and elegant melodies, enveloped in a calm and approachable atmosphere. The lively rhythm resonates pleasantly.
Wq. 20 Keyboard Concerto in C major (H.423) : A work with magnificent and majestic sound, characterized by clear structure and virtuosic solos. It anticipates the Classical style.
Wq. 21 Keyboard Concerto in A minor (H.424) : A piece with dark and introspective melodies, enveloped in dramatic tension. The deep emotion and virtuosic solos are harmoniously combined.
Wq. 22 Keyboard Concerto in D minor (H.425) : A work with dramatic and powerful expression, characterized by a tense sonata form. Deep emotional expression and vivid dialogue are developed.
Wq. 23 Keyboard Concerto in D minor (H.427) : Known for its dramatic expression and delicate dialogue, with rich emotional expression from the solo instrument. Tension and contrast are skillfully depicted.
Wq. 24 Keyboard Concerto in E minor (H.428) : A piece with melancholic melodies and delicate expression, leaving an impression of calm and inner depth. The fluctuations of emotion are carefully expressed.
Wq. 25 Keyboard Concerto in B-flat major (H.429) : A work with bright and majestic melodies, with vibrant dialogue with the orchestra. It is a piece where approachability and elegance are harmonized.
Wq. 26 Keyboard Concerto in A minor (H.430) : A piece with introspective and sentimental melodies, highlighting the delicate expressiveness of the solo instrument. Deep emotional expression and technique are fused.
Wq. 27 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.433) : Known for its lively and approachable melodies, with clear rhythm and lively solos. It gives an overall bright and vibrant impression.
Wq. 28 Keyboard Concerto in B-flat major (H.434) : A work with brilliant and gentle melodies, featuring refined structure and soft sound. The harmony between soloist and orchestra is elegantly expressed.
Wq. 29 Keyboard Concerto in A major (H.437) : A piece with bright and lively melodies, characterized by light rhythm and approachable atmosphere. It exudes a brilliant and lively impression.
Wq. 30 Keyboard Concerto in B minor (H.440) : A work with dramatic and tense melodies, with passionate development as a highlight. The fusion of strength and emotional depth is remarkable.
Wq. 31 Keyboard Concerto in C minor (H.441) : A piece with introspective and lyrical melodies, with a striking depth of quiet emotion. The dialogue between soloist and orchestra is delicate.
Wq. 32 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.442) : A work with lively and approachable melodies, with bright sound and vibrant solos. A refreshing impression spreads throughout.
Wq. 33 Keyboard Concerto in F major (H.443) : Known for its calm and elegant melodies, with beautiful harmony between soloist and orchestra. It features a bright and open atmosphere.
Wq. 34 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.444) : A piece with lively and cheerful melodies, with light and bright rhythm. The virtuosic solos and clear structure are appealing.
Wq. 35 Keyboard Concerto in E-flat major (H.446) : A work with brilliant and majestic sound, with rich harmony between soloist and orchestra. The clear structure and elegance are impressive.
Wq. 36 Keyboard Concerto in B-flat major (H.447) : A piece with approachable melodies and lively rhythm, with light development to enjoy. A bright and refreshing atmosphere pervades the whole.
Wq. 37 Keyboard Concerto in C minor (H.448) : A work with dramatic and tense melodies, with a striking depth of inner emotion. The dark and heavy sound is characteristic.
Wq. 38 Keyboard Concerto in F major (H.454) : Known for its lively and approachable melodies, with vibrant expression from the solo instrument. The bright and lively atmosphere colors the whole.
Wq. 39 Keyboard Concerto in B-flat major (H.465) : A work with brilliant and elegant melodies, with a balanced piece between soloist and orchestra. Enjoy the calm and refined music.
Wq. 40 Keyboard Concerto in E-flat major (H.467) : A piece with majestic sound and soft melodies, spreading an elegant and calm atmosphere. The delicate expression of the empfindsamer Stil stands out.
Wq. 41 Keyboard Concerto in E-flat major (H.469) : A fusion of heavy sound and gentle melodies, with impressive deep emotional expression. The dramatic development and quiet lyricism are skillfully contrasted.
Wq. 42 Keyboard Concerto in F major (H.470) : Known for its bright and open melodies, with light and elegant music unfolding. The intimate dialogue between soloist and orchestra is appealing.
Wq. 43-01 Keyboard Concerto in F major (H.471) : A piece with refreshing and lively melodies, with vibrant rhythm. The harmony of brilliance and approachability is evident.
Wq. 43-02 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.472) : Known for its energetic and clear melodies, with powerful and majestic sound. The close dialogue between soloist and orchestra unfolds.
Wq. 43-03 Keyboard Concerto in E-flat major (H.473) : A work with brilliant and elegant melodies, with a gentle sound spreading throughout. The delicate expression of the solo instrument stands out.
Wq. 43-04 Keyboard Concerto in C minor (H.474) : A piece with dramatic and powerful expression, with a fusion of tension and deep emotional expression. The contrast between soloist and orchestra is impressive.
Wq. 43-05 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.475) : Known for its lively and approachable melodies, with bright and vibrant music unfolding. A refreshing impression pervades the whole.
Wq. 43-06 Keyboard Concerto in C major (H.476) : A piece with majestic sound and clear melodies, a splendid yet approachable work. The balanced structure stands out.
Wq. 44 Keyboard Concerto in G major (H.477) : Known for its bright and lively melodies, with refreshing rhythm and approachable music unfolding. The harmony between soloist and orchestra resonates pleasantly.
Wq. 45 Keyboard Concerto in D major (H.478) : A piece with elegant and majestic sound, with brilliant melodies and virtuosic solos. The overall bright and powerful energy is felt.

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