This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
The Keyboard Concerto Wq. 1 (H. 403) by Emanuel Bach is one of his early works composed in 1733, heavily influenced by his father, Johann Sebastian Bach. This concerto is written for the traditional ensemble of solo keyboard and strings (two violins, viola, and bass), reflecting the North German style of the time. The first movement combines clear melodies with contrapuntal structure, the second movement is notable for its lyrical and introspective character, and the final movement employs lively and dynamic rhythms, hinting at the emergence of the galant style.
While this work shares a similar form with his father Sebastianʼs keyboard concertos with accompaniment, it attempts its own unique expression, laying the foundation for the free form and expressive solo parts seen in Emanuel Bachʼs later works. It holds a significant place in music history as the starting point of his concerto style.
Bachʼs first concerto was composed in Leipzig in 1733 and "revised" in Berlin in 1744. This concerto was once confused with the works of his father, Johann Sebastian Bach, because early manuscripts sold by the Breitkopf company bore Johann Sebastianʼs name. However, from Bachʼs estate catalog and contemporary records, it is clear that it is a work by Carl Philipp Emanuel.
The style of this concerto demonstrates the characteristics for which he later became famous: dramatic contrasts between the soloist and accompanying instruments, a focus on surprise and ingenuity in part-writing, and a tendency for musical ideas to develop as soon as they are introduced. During the revision, Bach paid particular attention to the ends of solo sections, adding smoother and more precise modulations. He was also conscious of various elements affecting the perception of modulation, such as the ambiguity of contrapuntal textures, rhythmic emphasis on chords and non-chord tones, and the relative importance of subdominant and dominant keys in preparatory phrases.