This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Emanuel Bachʼs Keyboard Concerto Wq. 9 (H. 412), composed in 1741, is one of the most refined pieces among his early keyboard concertos. This concerto, while based on the North German style, actively incorporates elements of the galant style and the empfindsamer Stil. The instrumentation of solo keyboard and strings (two violins, viola, and bass) is traditional, yet the content of the music is rich in innovation.
In the 1st movement, a clear theme and contrapuntal development are fused, highlighting the solidity of the structure. While fundamentally based on sonata form, it includes elements of ritornello form, characterized by the interplay between the solo instrument and the orchestra. The 2nd movement centers on introspective and emotionally rich melodies based on the empfindsamer Stil, noted for its deep emotional expression. The 3rd movement features a dance-like rhythm in rondo form and lively music, expressing the elegance of the galant style.
This work skillfully depicts the harmony between the solo and string tutti, showcasing the evolution of Emanuel Bachʼs compositional techniques. Wq. 9, though an early work, is an important concerto that indicates the path towards the freedom of form and richness of expression found in his later works.