This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
C. P. E. Bach Sonata in A minor Wq. 62/21 (H. 131)
1st Movement: Allegretto
2nd Movement: Adagio
3rd Movement: Allegretto siciliano e scherzando
ChatGPT4o writes as follows (please note that it may not be accurate): Emanuel Bachʼs Sonata in A minor Wq. 62/21 (H. 131) is a work woven with introspective emotions and delicate expressions, consisting of three movements. The first movement is in a sonata form that, while modest, harbors a hidden passion, with the movement of the melody and the development of harmony creating tension. The second movement is meditative and deeply lyrical, prominently featuring the characteristics of the empfindsamer Stil. In this movement, the quiet melody is delicately ornamented, evoking a sense of emotional depth. The third movement is based on a Siciliano rhythm, incorporating light elements while concluding with the melancholy typical of a minor key. When performed on the clavichord, the rich nuances of dynamics stand out, further enhancing the subtle emotional expressions of the piece. This sonata is an important example of Emanuel Bachʼs keyboard music, harmonizing the shadows of the minor key with the sophistication of the empfindsamer Stil.
According to the commentary by Darrell M. Berg on Miklós Spányi's CD (BIS-CD-1198) (translated by ChatGPT4o):
"This sonata is one of six sonatas composed during the stay in Zerbst from August to December 1758. It was published in 1765 in the 11th volume of Johann Ulrich Haffnerʼs ʼŒuvres mélées contenant VI Sonates pour le Clavessin de tant de plus celebres Compositeurs, rangés en ordre alphabetiqueʼ (Nuremberg, 1755–1765). This sonata can be seen as an exploration of dotted rhythms, which are prominent in all three movements. Additionally, all movements are characterized by subtle dynamic changes from forte to pianissimo. There is no doubt that these dynamics were written with the clavichord in mind, an instrument capable of delicate expression."
In the 1st movement "Allegretto," emphasized dotted notes appear in octaves, progressing in dialogue with two gentle melodic ideas. The 2nd movement "Adagio" features a flexible melody, starting in F major but not ending there. This movement progresses through many short phrases and dynamic changes, leading to a cadence into the final movement. The 3rd movement "Allegretto siciliano e scherzando" uses the dotted rhythms typical of the Siciliano style, continuing a dialogue with various melodic fragments and contrasting dynamics."
Miklós Spányi writes in CD (BIS-CD-1198) as follows (translated by ChatGPT4o):
"The Sonata in A minor (Wq. 62/21, H. 131) is likely a work written for the general public, but Bach may have overestimated the abilities of performers at the time. This sonata is technically challenging overall, with thematic material composed of small fragmentary elements, giving a somewhat dark and at times severe impression. The final movement is marked ʼscherzando,ʼ but it should be interpreted in the sense of Beethovenʼs dramatic and very ʼseriousʼ scherzos, and this movement never fully departs from the strict character of the entire sonata. This work beautifully demonstrates the close musical stylistic relationship between C. P. E. Bach and Beethoven."