Homepage > ★C.P.E. Bachʼs Musical Works > The Meaning of Special Opus Numbers - Bach C.P.E.

This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).

The Meaning of Special Opus Numbers in Emanuel Bachʼs Works

Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does ʼKastʼ mean when it appears after Wq. in Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbers?"

The "Wq." in Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbers refers to the catalog numbers assigned by musicologist Alfred Wotquenne. When "Kast" is added, it signifies supplementary organization by another musicologist, Willy Kasten.

Details

• Wq. Number: A cataloging system by Wotquenne that organizes Emanuel Bachʼs works chronologically and by genre. It is widely used in scholarly and musical contexts.
• Kast Number: Kasten conducted research to supplement Wotquenneʼs catalog by including unpublished works, newly discovered pieces, and works omitted from the original catalog. The notation "Wq. number + Kast" reflects these additions.

This system provides a more comprehensive classification of Emanuel Bachʼs works, covering unpublished compositions or pieces that have been re-evaluated through ongoing research.

If youʼre interested in learning more about a specific work, feel free to provide the opus number, and I will look into it in greater detail!

Asked ChatGPT4o: "Why do some of Emanuel Bachʼs ʼH.ʼ numbers have sub-numbers attached to them?"

In Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbering system, **H. (Helm numbers)** sometimes include sub-numbers for the following reasons:

1. Multiple Versions or Arrangements

Bach occasionally arranged the same piece for different instruments or ensembles, resulting in multiple versions of a single work.

• Example: H. 94.1 and H. 94.2 represent variations of the same composition in different formats.

2. Supplementary Works or Fragments

Sub-numbers are used when incomplete works or newly discovered pieces are associated with an existing main work number.

• Example: Fragments or drafts of a sonata may be cataloged with sub-numbers.

3. Scholarly Classification for Differentiation

Musicologist Hans Heinrich Helm grouped related works by assigning sub-numbers to distinguish pieces with thematic or formal similarities.

• Example: Sequential works with the same key or structure may receive sub-numbers.

Examples

• H. 67.1, H. 67.2: Different arrangements of the same theme.
• H. 98a, H. 98b: Different versions or related unfinished works.

These sub-numbers may represent intentional variations by Bach or classifications introduced by later scholars. Let me know if youʼd like to explore any specific work in more detail!

Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does the ʼgʼ stand for after Wq. in Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbers?"

In Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbers, a **"g" after Wq.** signifies **"galante"** style. The galante style was prominent in mid-18th-century music, moving away from Baroque complexity and counterpoint toward simpler, more emotive, and melody-driven music.

Reason for the ʼgʼ Suffix

The "Wq. number + g" notation is used for works that are distinctly galante in style. This suffix serves several purposes:

1. Clear Classification of Galante Style — Differentiates works in the same category that prominently display galante characteristics.
2. Expresses the Character of the Piece — Highlights stylistic distinctions within the same genre.
3. Supplementary Scholarly Classification — Added by researchers to help identify stylistic features in Bachʼs diverse works.

Example

An opus like Wq. 56g may indicate a galante-style variant within the Wq. 56 category.

Such notations help scholars and performers navigate Bachʼs extensive works. Let me know if youʼd like more details on any specific Wq. number!

Asked ChatGPT4o: "What do other letters after Wq. besides ʼgʼ represent?"

In Emanuel Bachʼs opus numbers, **letters after Wq.** are used as **auxiliary identifiers** to distinguish different versions or related works. These letters typically serve the following purposes:

1. Different Versions or Arrangements

Bach created alternate versions of certain works for different instruments or performance contexts, distinguished by appended letters.

• Example: Wq. 117a, Wq. 117b indicate different arrangements or formats of the same piece.

2. Drafts or Incomplete Works

Letters differentiate drafts or incomplete pieces associated with a main work number.

• Example: Wq. 65b may be a related but unfinished version of "Wq. 65."

3. Supplementary Scholarly Classification

Newly discovered or related works are cataloged using additional letters for clarity.

• Example: Wq. 200a, Wq. 200b for derivative or supplemental works linked to Wq. 200.

4. Different Purpose or Format

Pieces using similar themes but designed for different contexts may receive letter designations.

• Example: Wq. 116a, Wq. 116b could differentiate versions for solo keyboard and chamber ensemble.

Practical Examples

• Wq. 112a and Wq. 112b: Solo keyboard vs. accompanied versions.
• Wq. 55a, Wq. 55b: Draft version ("a") and final version ("b").

These letters are vital for academic analysis and performance preparation. Feel free to ask if youʼd like me to explain any specific number further!

Asked ChatGPT4o: "What do the letters g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o signify after Wq. numbers?"

Letters such as **g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o** after Wq. numbers serve to **categorize variants, versions, or related works** in Emanuel Bachʼs catalog. These suffixes have several uses:

1. Distinguishing Related Works

Sequences of related works are differentiated using these letters.

• Example: Wq. 62g, Wq. 62h for consecutive works in the same genre.

2. Alternate Versions or Arrangements

Letters identify versions arranged for different instruments or purposes.

• Example: Wq. 92g, Wq. 92h may distinguish solo and ensemble arrangements.

3. Unpublished Works or Fragments

Letters label incomplete or newly discovered works connected to a main number.

• Example: Wq. 124i, Wq. 124j for newly found fragments.

4. Unique Formats or Instrumentation

Special performance formats are marked by letter suffixes.

• Example: Wq. 200k for a unique ensemble arrangement.

Examples

• Wq. 91g–o: Various versions of keyboard works with stylistic differences.
• Wq. 118h, i: Different flute works or versions.

These letter suffixes allow for precise cataloging of Emanuel Bachʼs complex body of work.

Site search by Google

Parents

< ★C.P.E. Bachʼs Musical Works