This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
Emanuel Bachʼs Keyboard Concerto in B-flat Major Wq. 36 is a clear and approachable concerto from his Hamburg period. Comprising three movements, the first movement presents a bright and majestic theme, with the keyboard and orchestra engaging in a close dialogue. While based on sonata form, Bachʼs unique rhythmic innovations and tonal shifts infuse the piece with vitality. The second movement is a slow movement that exemplifies the empfindsamer Stil, featuring a lyrical and emotionally rich melody. The final movement is a lively and accessible rondo, with particularly impressive virtuosic passages for the keyboard. This concerto reflects the transition to Classical music, showcasing Emanuel Bachʼs mature compositional technique and distinctive expressiveness. It offers both performers and audiences a piece that combines brilliance with depth, providing enjoyment for all.
The Concerto in B-flat Major (H. 447/Wq. 36) is a late example of the concertos Bach developed from the late 1740s to the 1750s, marked by musical expressiveness and formal refinement. It appears to have been intended for a relatively select cultural audience. Additionally, the absence of wind instrument parts suggests it was not performed in large, general concerts but rather in more intimate gatherings of a chosen elite.