This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
ChatGPT4o writes as follows (please note that it may not be accurate):
Emanuel Bachʼs "Wq. 63" is a collection of six sonatas [and six sonatinas] for keyboard instruments, filled with his innovative musicality and rich emotional expression. This collection symbolizes his musical style, which served as a bridge to the Classical period, characterized by a wide range of emotions, delicate nuances, and novel harmonic progressions. Each sonata possesses its own character, offering deep lyricism in the slow movements and energetic, lively melodies in the fast movements. "Wq. 63" is an important collection that demonstrates Emanuel Bachʼs efforts to explore new musical expressions while inheriting the legacy of his father, Sebastian Bach. It demands advanced technique and expressiveness from the performer, while providing the audience with a moving musical experience. It is an indispensable volume for understanding the evolution of keyboard music and an attractive repertoire for music enthusiasts.
These sonatas and sonatinas are included in C. P. E. Bachʼs ʼEssay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments.ʼ
In 1753, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach published the first part of the ʼEssay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments.ʼ The second part followed in 1762, with revised editions appearing in 1787 and 1797 (the latter published posthumously). By the time of these publications, Bach had served King Frederick II of Prussia and had been active at the Berlin court for over a decade. Although he did not achieve a prominent position at court, he became widely known and respected as a master of keyboard instruments in Berlin and its surroundings. The publication of the ʼEssayʼ further elevated his fame.
He also composed ʼ18 Probestücke in Six Sonatasʼ for students learning keyboard instruments, which was published as a supplement to the 1753 ʼEssay.ʼ The Probestücke is a collection of compositions based on binary form, incorporating new ideas for its time. Although classified as six sonatas, the tonalities of each movement do not follow the usual order, allowing them to be interpreted as 18 independent pieces. For example, in one sonata, related keys such as C major, E minor, and G major are used, but the final movement does not return to the key of the first movement.
The Probestücke is designed for amateur keyboard enthusiasts and includes very specific instructions on performance. Bachʼs works from the 1730s and 1740s contained only the minimum necessary symbols for professional musicians, but this collection provides detailed indications of dynamics, ornaments, and fingerings. It is particularly intended for performance on the clavichord, with symbols indicating vibrato and instructions for sustained notes. Additionally, tempo markings are supplemented with descriptions of the character and emotion of the movements, making it easier for performers to understand the expressive intent.
This collection is structured progressively, from simple pieces for beginners to those requiring advanced technique, showcasing a significant evolution in Bachʼs notation. Through such efforts, his works after 1753 became notable for their richness in performance instructions.
The introduction was written by ChatGPT4o.