This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Telemann composed fantasias for flute and violin. Since Emanuel Bach composed many fantasias for keyboard instruments, is it possible that he was influenced by his godfather, Telemann?"
It is entirely plausible that Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach) was influenced by Telemann in composing his fantasias for keyboard instruments. Below are several reasons supporting this idea:
Telemann was the godfather of Emanuel Bach and had a close relationship with the Bach family. It is highly likely that Emanuel was exposed to Telemann’s music from a young age. In particular, Telemann’s free and creative compositional style could have influenced Emanuel’s musical development. Emanuel’s lifelong pursuit of free forms and expressive power may have roots in Telemann’s influence.
Telemann’s works, such as the 12 Fantasias for Solo Flute (TWV 40:2-13) and the Fantasias for Solo Violin (TWV 40:14-25), are representative examples of the fantasia form during the Baroque period. These works exhibit the following characteristics:
Emanuel Bach’s fantasias for keyboard instruments share these traits. His fantasias—such as the Fantasia in C Major, Wq. 59-6—display remarkable improvisational qualities and free modulation of keys, suggesting that he may have drawn inspiration from Telemann’s approach to form and expression.
Telemann’s fantasias emphasize not only technical mastery but also the spontaneous development of individual emotions and musical ideas. This spirit of free expression aligns with Emanuel Bach’s Empfindsamer Stil (Sensitive Style). Emanuel freely manipulated rhythm and tonality in his keyboard works, striving for direct emotional expression. It is highly likely that this free musical language was influenced by Telemann.
Johann Sebastian Bach was also familiar with Telemann’s music and highly valued its diversity. It is possible that Emanuel inherited Telemann’s influence through his father’s musical teachings. Additionally, Telemann was a cultural figure who shared musical ideas with the Bach family. Therefore, Emanuel may have absorbed elements of Telemann’s works and style as part of his musical heritage.
The freedom and emotional expression found in Telemann’s fantasias were further developed by Emanuel Bach. In particular, Emanuel’s keyboard works incorporate ornamentation, use of silence, and sudden modulations to add emotional depth. These techniques can be seen as an evolution of Telemann’s musical ideas, elevated into the Empfindsamer Stil.
Emanuel Bach’s fantasias for keyboard instruments likely reflect the influence of Telemann in terms of form and expressive freedom. Both composers emphasized improvisation and emotional expression. Emanuel may have been directly or indirectly influenced by Telemann and developed his musical spirit into the next generation’s style.