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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.

The Operas of Johann Christian Bach

Characteristics and Positioning of Christian Bachʼs Operas

1. Influence and Success of Italian Opera
   Christian Bach stayed in Italy during the 1760s to study “opera seria.” Influenced especially by the Neapolitan school, he created works characterized by flowing melodies and clear harmonies. Operas such as “Artaserse” and “Catone in Utica,” composed during this period, were highly acclaimed in Italy and other European countries.

2. Activities in London and the Revitalization of “Opera Seria”
   Christian Bach moved to London in 1762, where he worked as an opera composer and conductor at the Royal Theatre. While basing his work on “opera seria,” he emphasized dramatic expression and the rich sound of the orchestra. This brought new vitality to the traditional form and led to many successes in London at the time.

3. Contribution to “Opera Buffa”
   Christian Bach also showed interest in “opera buffa,” creating works with a light and approachable style. His music, while sophisticated, was characterized by pleasant melodies, making his works, based on the empfindsamer Stil, easily accepted by audiences.

4. Influence on Mozart
   The young Mozart met Christian Bach in London in 1764 and was greatly influenced by his music. The clarity of form, orchestration techniques, and melodic beauty became the foundation of Mozartʼs operatic works.

Positioning at the Time

Christian Bachʼs operas were a source of innovation and trendsetting in the European music scene of the late 18th century. While his works did not bring about dramatic changes like Gluckʼs opera reforms, they played a role in quickly adopting and spreading the transparent musical language of the classical period. His sophisticated style appealed to the tastes of the upper class while also containing elements loved by the common people, garnering support from a wide range of audiences.

As a result, Christian Bach is recognized as an important figure in the transitional period of 18th-century opera, paving the way for classical opera.

ChatGPT4o was asked: “Do Christian Bachʼs operas still exist today?”

Johann Christian Bachʼs (J.C. Bach) operas hold an important place in music history, just like his other works. Below is a detailed explanation of the current status of J.C. Bachʼs operas.

J.C. Bachʼs Operatic Works

Johann Christian Bach was active as an opera composer and composed several operas. His operas mainly used Italian librettos and were based on the forms of Italian opera buffa (comic opera) and opera seria (serious opera).

Existing Operas

Some of J.C. Bachʼs operas still exist today and are recorded and performed. Below are some of the major operatic works.

1. “Artaserse” (1760)

   • This opera was composed during J.C. Bachʼs time in Milan. It was one of his early successes and was highly praised at the time.

2. “Catone in Utica” (1761)

   • This work, also composed in Milan, depicts the story of the ancient Roman statesman Cato. The libretto was written by the famous librettist Pietro Metastasio.

3. “Alessandro nellʼIndie” (1762)

   • This opera is based on Alexander the Greatʼs expedition to India. It is characterized by dramatic music and rich arias.

4. “La clemenza di Scipione” (1778)

   • Composed in London, this work depicts the story of the mercy of the ancient Roman general Scipio.

Evaluation and Influence of the Operas

J.C. Bachʼs operas were highly regarded in his time and were performed frequently. His music, characterized by flowing melodies and skillful orchestration, greatly influenced later composers, especially Mozart. Mozart encountered J.C. Bachʼs music at a young age and learned from his style.

Current Situation

1. Recordings and Publications:

   • Some of J.C. Bachʼs operas have been published by modern music publishers and recorded. This has made his works more accessible to contemporary audiences.

2. Performances:

   • Occasionally, J.C. Bachʼs operas are still performed today, often taken up by music festivals or groups that emphasize historical performances.

Summary

Johann Christian Bachʼs operatic works still exist in part today and are recorded and performed. His operas were highly regarded in his time and influenced subsequent composers. Even today, his operas are recognized as an important part of music history, with ongoing research and performances.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Does this mean that most of the operas composed in London have not survived?"

Regarding the operas Johann Christian Bach (J.C. Bach) composed in London, many have not survived or have not been transmitted in complete form. However, some works have been partially preserved and are introduced to the modern era through research and reconstruction.

Main Operas from the London Period

1. “Orione” (1763)

   • This was the first opera J.C. Bach performed in London, and it was successful. The libretto by Francesco Falconi depicts the story of Orion, the son of Apollo.

2. “Zanaida” (1763)

   • This opera was also composed in London and was well-received by audiences at the time. It is a story of love and loyalty set in Turkey.

3. “Alessandro nellʼIndie” (1765)

   • In addition to the Milan version mentioned earlier, J.C. Bach also re-performed this subject in London. It is a heroic tale set in ancient India and was well-received in London at the time.

4. “Il Cid” (1769)

   • This opera premiered in London, but a complete score has not survived, making it difficult to grasp the full picture. It depicts the story of the Spanish hero El Cid.

5. “La clemenza di Scipione” (1778)

   • This work was also performed in London but does not survive in complete form. Partial scores and librettos remain, and research continues.

Current Status and Reconstruction Efforts

Many of the operas from the London period may only partially survive or have been lost. There are several reasons for this:

1. Preservation Issues:

   • 18th-century scores and librettos are prone to poor preservation, and many works have been lost. Handwritten scores, in particular, are easily damaged, and few survive in complete form.

2. Publication Issues:

   • Many opera works of the time were handwritten and not printed, so those that have been passed down to the present are limited. Because they were not published, they were not widely distributed.

3. Reconstruction Efforts:

   • Modern musicologists and performers continue to reconstruct lost works based on the remaining partial scores and librettos. This has led to some operas being re-evaluated and introduced to modern audiences.

Specific Examples

• “Orione”:

  • This opera is partially preserved and has been reconstructed for recordings and performances.

• “Zanaida”:

  • Similarly, partial scores and librettos have been preserved and introduced to the modern era through reconstruction.

Summary

Many of Johann Christian Bachʼs operas composed in London may not survive in complete form, but modern musicologists and performers are attempting to reconstruct them based on the remaining partial scores and librettos. This has led to a re-evaluation of his operatic works and their introduction to modern audiences.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Is it because Italy was superior in preserving operas that more of Christian Bachʼs works composed in Italy have survived to this day?"

The reason why more of Johann Christian Bachʼs (J.C. Bach) operatic works composed in Italy have survived to this day is due to several factors. These include the characteristics of Italian opera culture, the tradition of publication and preservation, and the social and economic background of the time.

1. Characteristics of Italian Opera Culture

Center of Opera:

• 18th-century Italy was the center of opera, with cities like Naples, Venice, and Milan playing important roles in its development. These cities had many theaters, and opera production and performance were actively conducted.

High Demand and Popularity:

• Opera was extremely popular in Italy, with many composers writing and performing operas. As a result, works tended to be well-received by audiences and preserved for a long time.

2. Tradition of Publication and Preservation

Development of Music Publishing:

• Music publishing was actively conducted in Italy, and many operatic works were printed and published. This led to the preservation of not only handwritten scores but also printed scores.
• Published scores were widely distributed, increasing the likelihood of preservation.

Libraries and Archives:

• Italy has many libraries and archives that have worked to preserve musical works. Notably, the Vatican Library and the Naples Music Library house numerous historical music materials.

3. Social and Economic Background

Support from Nobility and Patrons:

• The Italian nobility and wealthy class were major patrons of opera, providing ample support to composers. This led to the production of many operas and their preservation over long periods.

Role of Opera Houses:

• Italian opera houses frequently performed works, maintaining their popularity. This made it easier to preserve opera scores and related materials.

J.C. Bachʼs Works in Italy

1. “Artaserse” (1760)

   • This opera was composed during J.C. Bachʼs time in Milan. Existing scores and librettos have been preserved and passed down to later generations.

2. “Catone in Utica” (1761)

   • This work was also composed in Milan and has been preserved. The libretto by Pietro Metastasio is a famous text used by many composers.

3. “Alessandro nellʼIndie” (1762)

   • This opera was composed in Italy and later re-performed in London. Existing scores have been preserved and passed down to the modern era.

Summary

The reasons why many of Johann Christian Bachʼs operatic works composed in Italy have survived to this day include:

• Italy was the center of opera in the 18th century, with high demand and popularity.
• The development of music publishing and preservation efforts by libraries and archives.
• Support from nobility and patrons, as well as the role of opera houses.

These factors combined to ensure that operatic works composed in Italy have largely survived to the present day. On the other hand, the difficulty in preserving works from London may have been influenced by the fact that the publication and preservation systems were not as well-established as in Italy.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Were Christian Bachʼs operas written in Italy performed even after he left for London?"

The operas Johann Christian Bach (J.C. Bach) wrote in Italy continued to be performed in Italy and other regions even after he moved to London. His operatic works were very popular at the time and were widely known throughout Europe. Below is an explanation of how his operas continued to be performed after his move to London.

Popularity and Influence of J.C. Bachʼs Operas

1. International Fame:

   • J.C. Bach gained international fame through the operas he composed while active in Milan. His works were highly regarded not only in Italy but also in other European countries.

2. Success in London:

   • Even after he moved to London, the operas he composed in Italy were accepted by London audiences. His works were widely performed in the London music scene.

Reperformance in Italy

1. Reperformance Practices:

   • In 18th-century Europe, successful operas were often reperformed. J.C. Bachʼs operas were no exception and continued to be reperformed in various parts of Italy even after he moved to London.

2. Theaters and Opera Houses:

   • Major opera houses in Milan, Naples, Venice, and other cities regularly performed his operas, reaching a wide audience.

Specific Examples

1. “Artaserse” (1760):

   • This opera continued to be performed in other Italian cities after its premiere in Milan. Even after he moved to London, it was reperformed in Italian theaters.

2. “Catone in Utica” (1761):

   • This opera, premiered in Milan, was also reperformed in other Italian cities. Performances continued in Italian theaters even after he moved to London.

3. “Alessandro nellʼIndie” (1762):

   • In addition to its success in Italy, this opera was reperformed in London. It continued to be performed in Italian theaters, maintaining his fame.

Influence in London

1. Reevaluation of Works:

   • His activities in London led to further evaluation of J.C. Bachʼs works. His Italian works were also reperformed in London and widely accepted.

2. Influence on Other Composers:

   • Many composers, including Mozart, were influenced by J.C. Bachʼs operas. His works influenced musicians not only in London but throughout Europe.

Summary

The operas Johann Christian Bach composed in Italy continued to be performed in Italy and other regions even after he moved to London. His works were internationally acclaimed and maintained their popularity through reperformance. His works were regularly performed in Italian opera houses and theaters and were successful in London as well. His music was highly regarded throughout Europe and influenced many composers.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Were the operas Christian Bach composed in London not performed in Italy?"

The operas Johann Christian Bach (J.C. Bach) composed in London may have had opportunities to be performed in Italy for several reasons, but specific records are scarce, making it difficult to clearly demonstrate the details. However, several factors suggest the possibility that his operas composed in London were performed in Italy.

1. International Fame and Influence

International Popularity:

• J.C. Bach was already a recognized composer internationally, having achieved success in Italy before moving to London. Therefore, his works were noted throughout Europe.

Music Network:

• His successful works in London spread through the music network across Europe. There may have been opportunities for his operas to be performed in Italy.

2. Musical Exchange Between London and Italy

Cultural Exchange:

• In the 18th century, cultural exchange between London and Italy was actively conducted. Italian singers and composers worked in London, and conversely, works from London were introduced in Italy.

Publication and Distribution of Scores:

• J.C. Bachʼs operas were published as scores and distributed throughout Europe. This increased the opportunities for his works to be performed in Italian theaters.

3. Specific Examples

“Orione” (1763):

• This opera premiered in London but was later performed in other European cities. It may have been performed in Italian theaters as well.

“Zanaida” (1763):

• Similarly, this opera was successful in London, but records indicate it was also performed in Italy.

“Alessandro nellʼIndie” (1765):

• There were reperformances of operas that succeeded in Italy, and after its performance in London, it may have been reperformed in Italian theaters.

4. Reception in Italy

Acceptance of Style:

• J.C. Bachʼs operas incorporated the styles of Italian opera buffa and opera seria, making them easily accepted by Italian audiences.

Exchange of Singers:

• Italian singers often performed in London in J.C. Bachʼs operas, and when they returned to Italy, they sometimes brought these operas with them.

Summary

The operas Johann Christian Bach composed in London may have had opportunities to be performed in Italy through his international fame and music network. Although specific records are scarce, the widespread acceptance of his works suggests a high possibility that they were performed in Italian theaters. Cultural exchange, distribution of scores, and the movement of singers supported the background for his operas to be performed in Italy.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Are there any of Christian Bachʼs operas that were published at the time but do not survive today?"

Among Johann Christian Bachʼs (J.C. Bach) operas, some were published at the time but do not survive completely today or only partially exist. Below is a detailed explanation of the publication situation at the time and the current status of these works.

Published Operas and Current Status

1. Challenges of Publication and Preservation:

   • 18th-century score publication was done as handwritten manuscripts or printed materials, but many works were lost due to preservation conditions and distribution situations. Many scores were damaged or lost due to paper deterioration, wars, fires, and other disasters.

2. Partial Existence:

   • Some of J.C. Bachʼs operas only partially survive. This includes cases where only the overture or some arias remain, or only the libretto survives.

Specific Examples

1. “Orione” (1763):

   • This opera premiered in London and was highly praised at the time. However, it does not survive in complete form, with only partial scores and librettos remaining.

2. “Zanaida” (1763):

   • This work, also premiered in London, has only partially surviving scores. Attempts have been made to reconstruct it, but complete restoration is difficult.

3. “La clemenza di Scipione” (1778):

   • This work also does not have a complete score, with partial scores and librettos remaining. Reconstruction is conducted based on the existing parts for performances and research.

Possibly Published but Non-Existent Works

• Some operas published at the time may not exist at all today. These works may have circulated when published but were completely lost due to preservation conditions and storage location issues.

Reconstruction and Research Efforts

1. Reconstruction Attempts:

   • Musicologists and performers attempt to reconstruct J.C. Bachʼs operas based on the remaining partial scores and librettos. This allows some lost works to be restored and performed in the modern era.

2. Exploration of Archives:

   • Historical archives and libraries sometimes discover undiscovered scores and librettos. This can lead to the rediscovery of operas thought to be lost.

Summary

Among Johann Christian Bachʼs operas, some were published at the time but do not survive completely today or only partially exist. These works may have been lost due to preservation conditions and historical events. Efforts by musicologists and performers continue to reconstruct and research based on the remaining partial materials. The discovery of undiscovered materials may lead to the restoration of more works in the future.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Where can recordings of Christian Bachʼs operas be obtained? It seems that only overtures and some arias are available on platforms like Amazon."

Complete recordings of Johann Christian Bachʼs (J.C. Bach) operas are less common compared to overtures and arias, but some operas have been recorded and can be obtained from specific specialized music labels and platforms. Below are the main ways to obtain them.

Specialized Music Labels

1. CPO (Classic Produktion Osnabrück):

   • CPO is a German label known for recording minor and unpublished classical music works. They have released several complete recordings of J.C. Bachʼs operas. They can be purchased through CPOʼs official website or distributors.

2. Naxos:

   • Naxos has an extensive catalog of classical music, including works by J.C. Bach. It is worth searching on Naxosʼs official website or Naxos Music Library.

Specialized Music Sales Sites

1. Presto Classical:

   • Presto Classical is a major online shop selling classical music CDs and downloads. J.C. Bachʼs opera recordings may be available here.

2. ArkivMusic:

   • ArkivMusic specializes in selling classical music CDs, DVDs, and downloads. It is worth searching for J.C. Bachʼs opera recordings here.

Digital Distribution Platforms

1. Spotify:

   • Spotify is a streaming service with an extensive music catalog, including some recordings of J.C. Bachʼs operas. Search for albums or operatic works on Spotify.

2. Apple Music:

   • Apple Music also offers some recordings of J.C. Bachʼs operas. Search for the artistʼs name or opera titles on Apple Music.

3. Amazon Music:

   • Amazon Music allows you to purchase or stream specific albums or tracks. Use the search function to find J.C. Bachʼs operas.

Other Options

1. Classical Music Specialty Stores:

   • Physical CDs or records may be available at classical music specialty stores. Inquire at local music specialty stores as one option.

2. Libraries and Music Archives:

   • Some large libraries and music archives may hold recordings of J.C. Bachʼs operas. Check the music collections of libraries.

Specific Recording Examples

1. “Zanaida” (1763):

   • A complete recording of this opera has been released by CPO.

2. “Artaserse” (1760):

   • Some arias and overtures have been recorded, and complete recordings exist, but they may be difficult to find.

Summary

Complete recordings of Johann Christian Bachʼs operas can be found more easily on specialized music labels and sales sites than on general platforms. Searching labels like CPO and Naxos, and classical music specialty online shops like Presto Classical and ArkivMusic, may provide access to complete recordings. Additionally, some recordings can be streamed on digital distribution platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "Christian Bach composed many operas, but they are not often performed today. Why is that?"

The reasons why Christian Bachʼs operas are not often performed today are due to several factors. Below are the main reasons.

1. Changes in Era and Differences in Style: Christian Bachʼs operas are based on the style of the 18th century and are deeply rooted in the musical style and cultural background of that time. While these operas were very appealing to audiences of that era, they may not necessarily resonate the same way with modern audiences. In particular, modern opera enthusiasts are more familiar with Romantic and 20th-century operas, and may not be as interested in Baroque or Classical operas.

2. Difference in Fame and Popularity: Christian Bachʼs operas are less well-known compared to those of his contemporaries like Mozart and Gluck. This results in opera houses and productions choosing Christian Bachʼs operas less frequently.

3. Preservation Status and Access Difficulty: Many of Christian Bachʼs operas do not survive in complete form or exist only as manuscripts. This makes it difficult for modern productions to prepare these works for performance. Additionally, limited publication and research of scores further reduce performance opportunities.

4. Differences in Theater Requirements and Scale: 18th-century operas were smaller in scale compared to modern theaters or were specifically tailored for certain theaters. Modern large-scale opera houses may not match the scale or format required by these operas.

5. Integration of Music and Drama: While Christian Bachʼs operas have high musical quality, they may be simpler in terms of drama compared to modern operas. Modern audiences tend to seek more complex and profound drama, which may lead to Christian Bachʼs operas being overlooked.

These factors combine to explain why Christian Bachʼs operas are not often performed today. However, his musical contributions remain important, and there is hope for increased research and performance opportunities.

ChatGPT4o was asked: "What are some of the operas by Christian Bach that have been recorded?"

Among Christian Bachʼs (Johann Christian Bach) operas, several have been recorded. Although his operas are not frequently performed, some works have been recorded, leaving an interesting musical legacy. Below are some representative operas that have been recorded.

1. "Amadis de Gaule": Premiered in 1779, this opera is one of Christian Bachʼs most famous operas. Based on a French libretto, it blends Baroque style with Classical elements. Although recordings are few, some performances have been preserved.

2. “Armida”: This opera is based on Torquato Tassoʼs epic poem “Jerusalem Delivered.” In this work, Christian Bach skillfully blends dramatic elements with beautiful arias. Recordings are limited but valuable.

3. "La clemenza di Tito": Christian Bachʼs opera is different from the one Mozart later composed on the same subject. This work also has several recordings.

4. “Lucio Silla”: Although different from Mozartʼs work of the same name, it is known as an opera by Christian Bach. Several recordings exist.

These recordings serve as valuable resources for understanding what Christian Bachʼs operas were like. Additionally, since his operas are not often performed today, experiencing his works through recordings is important.

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