This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.
I tried to ask ChatGPT4o, but I accidentally sent it midway: “Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184”
Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184 belongs to his collection of Minuets. This number refers to the Six Minuets Wq. 184 (H. 176).
Catalog Number: Wq. 184 (H. 176)
Year of Composition: 1771
Instrumentation: Can be performed on keyboard instruments (clavichord, harpsichord, fortepiano) or by a small ensemble
Style: Although in the Classical minuet form, it exhibits characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil (Sensitive Style)
This collection of minuets was composed during the period when Emanuel Bach moved from Berlin to Hamburg. It includes delicate and expressive minuets influenced by the Empfindsamer Stil. As with his other keyboard works, it is characterized by rhythmic changes and unique harmonic progressions.
These six minuets each have distinct characters.
Some are elegant and decorative
Some have strong emotional movements
Occasionally, sudden modulations or unexpected harmonies appear
If you would like to know more specifically about any particular minuet in Wq. 184, please let me know.
I asked ChatGPT4o: “Why are each of the pieces in Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184 titled ‘Sonata’ even though they are single movements?”
Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184 is not a collection of six “Minuets” but rather Six Sonatas (Sechs Sonaten). Despite each piece being a single movement, there are several possible reasons for them being titled “Sonata.”
In the 18th century, the term “sonata” had a broader meaning than it does today, and single-movement works could also be called “sonatas.”
For example, Domenico Scarlattiʼs keyboard sonatas are essentially single movements, and for keyboard players of the time, a “sonata” did not necessarily have to be in three or four movements.
Emanuel Bach himself composed works like Wq. 65 (a collection of single-movement sonatas), and single-movement “sonatas” were not particularly rare in his time.
Wq. 184 (H. 176) was published in 1779 as a collection of works for keyboard instruments, and it may have been titled “Sonata” for marketability.
In the 1770s, many amateur musicians played keyboard instruments, and single-movement sonatas were easier to perform and attractive as publications.
Thus, titling them “Sonata” might have been intended to market them as more prestigious works.
Even as single movements, these works are likely based on sonata form. For example, if they have an exposition, development, and recapitulation, it would not be unusual to call them “sonatas” from the perspective of the time.
In fact, many of Emanuel Bachʼs keyboard works feature single movements with sonata form or a free, fantasia-like development.
The reasons why Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184 is called “Sonata” despite being single movements are:
The broad concept of “sonata” in the 18th century, where single-movement sonatas were common
The appropriateness of the title “Sonata” in the publishing market
The possibility that they are based on sonata form
These factors are likely intertwined. If you wish to analyze the structure of each piece in detail, you can do so by examining the scores.
I asked ChatGPT4o: “Isnʼt Wq. 184 a collection of works for woodwind instruments?”
Wq. 184 is indeed a collection of sonatas for woodwind instruments, specifically Six Sonatas for Flute or Violin and Basso Continuo. I mistakenly confused it with keyboard works in my previous response. I apologize for the error.
Title: Six Sonatas (Sechs Sonaten für Flöte und Basso continuo)
Catalog Number: Wq. 184 (H. 505–510)
Year of Composition: 1767
Instrumentation: Flute or Violin and Basso Continuo (usually harpsichord and cello or bassoon)
Movement Structure: Each piece is a single movement
Publication: Published in Berlin in 1767
Single-movement “sonatas” were common in Emanuel Bachʼs time
In the 18th century, sonatas did not necessarily consist of multiple movements, and single-movement sonatas existed.
Especially in the flute repertoire, single-movement works with a technical and improvisational character were often presented as “sonatas.”
Single-movement instrumental works were favored in 1760s Berlin
Emanuel Bach served at the court of Frederick the Great, writing many works for the flute.
Given that Frederick the Great himself was a flutist, graceful and easy-to-play single-movement works might have been favored at the court.
They may be structurally close to sonata form
Each piece might have a sonata form (exposition, development, recapitulation).
The term “sonata” in the 18th century did not necessarily mean a “combination of three or four movements” but could also mean a work with free development.
Publishing Considerations
When published in Berlin in 1767, the title “Six Sonatas” might have been more marketable.
Being classified as “sonatas” might have made them more readily accepted as a more prestigious collection.
Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 184 is a collection of six single-movement sonatas for woodwind instruments (flute or violin) and basso continuo.
The reason each piece is called a “sonata” despite being a single movement is likely due to the broad concept of sonata in the 18th century, the musical circumstances in Berlin, publishing considerations, and the possibility of being based on sonata form.
By examining the scores and analyses in detail, you can gain deeper insights into the structure of each piece. If interested, you might also explore the detailed structure of each piece.