This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does it mean when ʼKastʼ follows Wq. in Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers?"
The “Wq.” in Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers refers to the catalog numbers assigned by musicologist Alfred Wotquenne. When “Kast” is added, it indicates supplementary organization by another musicologist, Willy Kasten.
This serves as a supplementary classification to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Emanuel Bachʼs complete works. For example, it includes unpublished compositions or pieces that have been re-evaluated as research progresses.
If you are interested in more details about a specific work, please provide the work number, and I will investigate further!
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Why do some of Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers have a sub-number after H.?"
In Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers, when a sub-number follows **H. (Helm number)**, it usually corresponds to one of the following reasons:
Emanuel Bach often arranged the same piece for different ensembles or instruments. Therefore, when the same work exists in different forms, a sub-number is assigned.
If there are related works discovered later or pieces that were incomplete at the time of publication, a sub-number is attached to associate them with the main number.
Musicologist Hans Heinrich Helm cataloged Emanuel Bachʼs extensive works by grouping similar or closely related works. In doing so, he assigned sub-numbers to works deemed related.
Works with sub-numbers may include those intentionally left in multiple forms by the composer or those determined to be in the same group through later research. If you provide a specific work number, I can investigate its background in more detail!
Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does it mean when ʼgʼ follows the Wq. number in Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers?"
In Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers, when “g” follows **Wq.**, it signifies “galante.” The galante style was an important musical style in the mid-18th century, moving away from the complexity and counterpoint of the Baroque period towards a simpler, more emotional, and melody-focused style.
The notation “Wq. Number + g” is typically used when Emanuel Bachʼs work is particularly based on the galante style. It is added for reasons such as:
Clear Classification of Galante Style
Indicating the Character of Specific Pieces
Supplementary Classification by Later Researchers
For instance, Wq. 56g indicates a style different from other works in the same category (e.g., Wq. 56).
These sub-numbers and auxiliary symbols are established to help researchers and performers better understand Emanuel Bachʼs extensive works. If you want to know more about a specific Wq number, please provide it, and I will investigate further!
Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does it mean when a letter other than ʼgʼ follows the Wq. number in Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers?"
In Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers, when a letter follows Wq., these are typically used as auxiliary identifiers to distinguish within the same work number. They are often assigned to indicate situations such as:
Emanuel Bachʼs works may exist in different instrumentations or forms. In such cases, letters are added for each version.
If drafts or unfinished works related to a specific Wq number are discovered, letters may be added to distinguish them.
As Emanuel Bachʼs works were published and researched, newly discovered works or related materials needed classification. Letters were added to the original Wq numbers for organization.
When the same theme or material is used for different purposes, letters may be added to distinguish them.
These letters are particularly useful for understanding the breadth and complexity of Emanuel Bachʼs works and serve as an auxiliary system for academic analysis and performance program preparation. If you have a specific number of interest, I can investigate its background in more detail!
Asked ChatGPT4o: "What does it mean when letters like g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o follow the Wq. number in Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers?"
In Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers, when letters like "g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o" follow the Wq. number, they typically represent subdivisions or distinctions of different versions of a specific work. Each letter has a specific meaning, but they are generally categorized for purposes such as:
When Emanuel Bach composed a series of works on a specific theme or form, letters may be added to distinguish them.
When a specific work exists in different forms or is arranged by the composer for different instrumentations or purposes, letters are added.
When unpublished works or partially completed pieces are recognized as related in later research, letters are added to indicate this relationship.
When a specific work deviates from the usual form, such as having a unique instrumentation or performance format, letters may be added.
As Emanuel Bachʼs extensive works were published and researched, new materials were discovered, necessitating classification. Letters were added to the original Wq numbers for organization.
Wq. 91g - Wq. 91o:
These may refer to subtle differences in style or structure within keyboard works.
Wq. 118h, Wq. 118i:
Different versions or related works of specific flute compositions.
These letters reflect the diversity of Emanuel Bachʼs works and are used for purposes such as: