This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
The Keyboard Concerto Wq. 21 (H. 427[424]) by Emanuel Bach is a work composed in 1747, representing one of the key keyboard concertos from his Berlin period. This piece is based on the traditional ensemble of solo keyboard instrument and strings (two violins, viola, and bass), blending the galant style with the empfindsamer Stil.
The first movement features an energetic theme, vividly depicting the dialogue between the solo and tutti sections. The solo part is technically demanding and stands out for its brilliance. The second movement centers around a gentle, flowing melody, characterized by light emotional expression. The third movement has a lively, dance-like rhythm, highlighting the bright and sophisticated nature of the galant style.
This concerto is skillfully designed to harmonize the solo and tutti sections, with the free and creative solo part being a highlight. Wq. 21 demonstrates Emanuel Bachʼs maturity in terms of formal completeness and expressive diversity, occupying an important position in paving the way for his later works.
The A minor Concerto Wq. 21 (H424) evokes the first decade Bach spent in Berlin. Composed in 1747, this piece exemplifies the refined "galant style" and is most effective in small, private rooms, though less suited for large concert halls. Bach moved to the free city of Hamburg in 1769, becoming the music director of its five principal churches. There, he found an active musical life and citizens who provided an environment for private musical gatherings similar to those he enjoyed in Berlin. His revision of the A minor Concerto indicates that he found an environment where the workʼs subtlety of expression and formal design could be appreciated by audiences.
Although this concerto was composed in Berlin in 1747, it underwent significant revision in Hamburg in 1775, likely with performance in mind. In many sections, the keyboard part was "pianistically" enhanced, and several abrupt, powerful dynamic changes were added. Additionally, a "pianissimo (pp)" is noted at the end of the second movement. I have chosen the tangent piano as the solo instrument.