Emanuel Bach Keyboard Solo Works (Sonata Collection) Wq. 65

Emanuel Bachʼs keyboard works collection "Wq. 65" is a treasure trove filled with his diverse compositional techniques and emotionally rich expressions. This collection includes sonatas, fantasias, rondos, and various other forms, each possessing its own unique charm. Bachʼs distinctive "Empfindsamer Stil" (sensitive style) is evident throughout, leaving a profound impression on listeners. These works, written for keyboard instruments, are typically performed on piano or harpsichord, demanding advanced technique and expressiveness from the performer. While inheriting the tradition of his father, Sebastian Bach, this collection also showcases Emanuel Bachʼs own innovative spirit, holding an important position as a bridge in classical music.

List of Works

The introduction was written by ChatGPT4o. (This is not exhaustive, and there are other unorganized works as well.)

Wq.65-01 (H.3) Sonata in F Major : Characterized by a bright and refreshing melody, the lively rhythm energizes the entire piece. When played on the clavichord, the soft sound is further enhanced.
Wq.65-02 (H.4) Sonata in A Minor : The poignant melody is striking, with rich introspective emotional expression. The tension and depth unique to the minor key are captivating.
Wq.65-03 (H.5) Sonata in D Minor : A work characterized by a powerful rhythm and passionate melody. It blends the delicacy and intensity of the Empfindsamer Stil.
Wq.65-04 (H.6) Suite in E Minor : Structured based on dance forms, offering a variety of rhythms and expressions. The contrast between movements is striking, making it a varied work.
Wq.65-05 (H.13) Sonata in E Minor : The deeply emotional melody is impressive, leaving a lingering shadowy sound. The tension unique to the minor key flows throughout the piece.
Wq.65-06 (H.15) Sonata in G Major : Characterized by a light and approachable melody, it exudes a bright and lively atmosphere. The gentle harmonic flow is pleasing.
Wq.65-07 (H.16) Sonata in E-flat Major : The elegant and refined melody is captivating, enveloped in a calm atmosphere. The beauty of the ornamentation enhances the piece.
Wq.65-08 (H.17) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by a bright and lively rhythm, the refreshing sound is striking. It is a work with an approachable melody.
Wq.65-09 (H.18) Sonata in B-flat Major : Characterized by a calm and serene melody, it spreads a soft and warm sound. The elegant and refined atmosphere is captivating.
Wq.65-10 (H.19) Sonata in A Major : The lively and vibrant melody is striking, exuding a bright and positive atmosphere. The delicate expression of the Empfindsamer Stil is felt in this work.
Wq.65-11 (H.21) Sonata in G Minor : Characterized by an introspective and emotionally charged melody, it exudes deep melancholy. The dramatic development is impressive.
Wq.65-12 (H.23) Sonata in G Major : A bright work characterized by an approachable melody and lively rhythm. The flowing melody resonates pleasantly.
Wq.65-13 (H.32-05) Sonata in B-flat Minor : Characterized by a tension-filled melody, the shadow unique to the minor key is prominent. The deep emotion and dramatic development are captivating.
Wq.65-14 (H.42) Sonata in D Major : The bright and clear sound is striking, with a lively rhythm coloring the piece. The refreshing melody is memorable.
Wq.65-15 (H.43) Sonata in G Major : Characterized by a light and lively melody, it exudes an approachable atmosphere. The natural harmonic progression is pleasing.
Wq.65-16 (H.46) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by a clear and powerful melody, it exudes a dignified atmosphere. The open and expansive sound is striking.
Wq.65-17 (H.47) Sonata in G Minor : A work deeply expressing inner emotions, exuding tension and melancholy. The delicate expression of the Empfindsamer Stil is captivating.
Wq.65-18 (H.48) Sonata in F Major : Characterized by a bright and calm melody, it spreads an elegant atmosphere. It is a work where approachability and refined beauty harmonize.
Wq.65-19 (H.49) Sonata in F Major : The soft, flowing melody is striking, with a gentle harmony resonating pleasantly. The elegant atmosphere is captivating.
Wq.65-20 (H.51) Sonata in B-flat Major : Characterized by a warm and soft sound, it exudes a calm and serene atmosphere. The approachable melody is memorable.
Wq.65-21 (H.52) Sonata in F Major : Characterized by a bright and brilliant melody, it exudes a light and lively atmosphere. The refreshing and joyful sound is striking.
Wq.65-22 (H.56) Sonata in G Major : The lively and approachable melody is striking, spreading a bright and vibrant atmosphere. The entire piece feels lively.
Wq.65-23 (H.57) Sonata in D Minor : Characterized by a passionate and tension-filled melody, the dramatic development is impressive. The depth unique to the minor key is felt.
Wq.65-24 (H.60) Sonata in D Minor : Characterized by an introspective and melancholic melody, the deep emotional expression is captivating. The delicate harmony gives the piece a shadow.
Wq.65-25 (H.61) Sonata in A Minor : The quiet and lyrical melody is striking, with inner emotions expressed gently. The elegant and delicate atmosphere is captivating.
Wq.65-26 (H.64) Sonata in G Major : Characterized by a bright and lively melody, it exudes an approachable atmosphere. The refreshing sound is pleasing.
Wq.65-27 (H.68) Sonata in G Minor : Characterized by an introspective and melancholic melody, the tension-filled development is impressive. The depth and emotional fluctuation unique to the minor key are captivating.
Wq.65-28 (H.78) Sonata in E-flat Major : Characterized by a warm and elegant sound, it spreads a soft and rich harmony. The calm and approachable melody is pleasing.
Wq.65-29 (H.83) Sonata in E Major : The bright and brilliant melody is captivating, with a lively and flowing rhythm that is striking. The ornamentation enhances the brilliance.
Wq.65-30 (H.106) Sonata in E Minor : Characterized by deep emotion and dramatic development, the inner emotional expression is prominent. The tension of the minor key brings intricacy to the entire piece.
Wq.65-31 (H.121) Sonata in C Minor : The serene and introspective melody is striking, with delicate emotional movements expressed. The gentle harmonic progression gives a deep shadow.
Wq.65-32 (H.135) Sonata in A Major : Characterized by a bright and clear sound, the light rhythm and approachable melody are captivating. The refreshing and lively atmosphere spreads throughout the piece.
Wq.65-33 (H.143) Sonata in A Minor : A quiet and introspective work with a poignant melody that resonates in the heart. Rich in emotional expression, it prominently features the characteristics of the Empfindsamer Stil.
Wq.65-34 (H.152) Sonata in B-flat Major : The calm and warm melody is striking, exuding an approachable and elegant atmosphere. The soft harmony envelops the entire piece.
Wq.65-35 (H.156) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by a bright and lively melody, it is a light and open work. The brilliant sound enhances its approachable charm.
Wq.65-36 (H.157) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by an active and powerful melody, the energetic rhythm colors the piece. The dignified development is striking.
Wq.65-37 (H.174) Sonata in A Major : The bright and refreshing sound is pleasing, with an elegant and refined melody that is captivating. The light rhythm gives the entire piece a sense of dynamism.
Wq.65-38 (H.175) Sonata : Details are unknown, but it is considered a work that reflects Emanuel Bachʼs characteristic delicate emotional expression and compositional skill.
Wq.65-39 (H.176) Sonata in E Minor : A work expressing profound and deep emotions, with the shadow and tension unique to the minor key standing out. The dramatic development draws the listener in.
Wq.65-40 (H.177) Sonata in D Major : Characterized by a bright and lively melody, the dynamic rhythm is captivating. The approachable melody resonates refreshingly.
Wq.65-41 (H.178) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by a dignified melody and stable structure, it exudes a bright and powerful atmosphere. The brilliant sound enhances the workʼs charm.
Wq.65-42 (H.189) Sonata in E-flat Major : The elegant and soft melody is striking, with a calm harmony resonating beautifully. The rich expressiveness stands out in this work.
Wq.65-43 (H.192) Sonata in A Major : Characterized by a bright and approachable melody, the lively rhythm envelops the entire piece. The soft and warm sound is captivating.
Wq.65-44 (H.211) Sonata in B-flat Major : The calm and elegant melody is striking, creating a pleasant softness. The smooth harmonic progression exudes a serene atmosphere.
Wq.65-45 (H.212) Sonata in B-flat Major : Characterized by a warm and enveloping sound, it spreads a calm and serene atmosphere. The refined melody and gentle harmony are in harmony.
Wq.65-46 (H.213) Sonata in E Major : The bright and brilliant melody is striking, with charm in its brilliance and lightness. The ornamentation adds a splendid sound.
Wq.65-47 (H.248) Sonata in C Major : Characterized by a dignified melody and stable harmony, the clear structure stands out. The powerful and bright sound is striking.
Wq.65-48 (H.280) Sonata in G Major : Characterized by a refreshing and approachable melody, the light rhythm is pleasing. The bright and soft sound is captivating.
Wq.65-49 (H.298) Sonata in C Minor : A work with a tension-filled melody and dramatic development that is striking. The poignant sound filled with deep emotion is captivating.
Wq.65-50 (H.299) Sonata in G Major : The bright and lively melody is striking, exuding an approachable atmosphere. The refreshing and light rhythm is pleasing.

I asked ChatGPT4o: "What circumstances led to Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 65 being compiled under a single opus number?"

Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 65 is a collection of sonatas and small pieces for keyboard instruments, particularly including many works from his younger years (Berlin period). The following is the background on how this opus number was compiled.

Diverse Keyboard Works from the Berlin Period: Emanuel Bach was active in the court orchestra of King Frederick II of Prussia from 1740 to 1768. During this period, he composed many keyboard works, but they were published sporadically without specific opus numbers or remained unpublished.

Systematization by Later Generations: From the 19th to the 20th century, Emanuel Bachʼs works began to be organized and classified. The catalog compiled by Alfred Wotquenne (1905) played a significant role in this. In this catalog, keyboard works were systematically organized, and sonatas and small pieces were classified under Wq. 65.

Not an Intentional Organization: Wq. 65 does not refer to a specific publication but includes Emanuel Bachʼs autographs, drafts, and works that were not published during his lifetime. Emanuel Bach himself did not intentionally compile these works as Wq. 65; it is the result of organization by later researchers. Such classification, like J. S. Bachʼs BWV numbers or Mozartʼs K numbers, was done for the convenience of research and performance.

Wq. 65 is the result of the systematic organization of Emanuel Bachʼs diverse keyboard works, mainly from his Berlin period, by later researchers into a single opus number. It was not his own intention but was classified for convenience during the research and publication process.

I asked ChatGPT4o: "What criteria were used to determine whether a work should be included in Wq. 65?"

When Alfred Wotquenne classified Emanuel Bachʼs works, the criteria for including them in Wq. 65 were likely based on the following elements.

1. Genre Classification: Keyboard Solo Works

Wq. 65 includes keyboard solo works (mainly for clavichord or fortepiano) with forms such as sonatas, fantasias, and fugues.
Particularly, keyboard pieces that existed as unpublished or drafts rather than independent published works were preferentially compiled under this number.

2. Publication Status

Works that Emanuel Bach did not publish during his lifetime or were not included in a clear collection of works were classified under Wq. 65. In contrast, pieces he himself compiled and published (e.g., Prussian Sonatas Wq. 48 and Württemberg Sonatas Wq. 49) were classified under different opus numbers.

3. Existence of Autographs or Manuscripts

Wotquenne based his decision to include works in Wq. 65 on Emanuel Bachʼs autographs and contemporary manuscripts. Particularly, unpublished works deemed to have musical independence were targeted.

4. Completeness of the Work

While the focus is on works completed in full form, draft-stage works and fragmentary works may also be included. This is because they are considered important for understanding Emanuel Bachʼs compositional style and creative process.

5. Relation to Other Classifications

Wotquenne classified Emanuel Bachʼs works based on genre and publication form, and keyboard pieces not already belonging to other opus numbers (Wq. 48–64) were compiled into Wq. 65. For example, harpsichord concertos and songs are classified into different categories.

Summary

The criteria for Wotquenneʼs classification into Wq. 65 include:

Being a keyboard solo work
Not published during the composerʼs lifetime
Existing as an independent work
Not included in other classifications (collections of works)
among others.

This allows for a systematic understanding of the overall picture of Emanuel Bachʼs diverse keyboard works.

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< Keyboard Sonatas of C.P.E. Bach
> Keyboard Sonata in B minor Wq. 65-13
> Keyboard Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65-34
> Keyboard Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65-45
> Keyboard Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-41
> Keyboard Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-47
> Keyboard Sonata in D Major Wq. 65-14
> Keyboard Sonata in D Major Wq. 65-40
> Keyboard Sonata in F Major Wq. 65-21
> Keyboard Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-12
> Sonata in A Major Wq. 65-10
> Sonata in A Major Wq. 65-25
> Sonata in A Major Wq. 65-32
> Sonata in A Major Wq. 65-43
> Sonata in A Major Wq. 65/37
> Sonata in A minor Wq. 65-02
> Sonata in A minor Wq. 65-33
> Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65-09
> Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65-20
> Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65-44
> Sonata in B-flat Major Wq. 65/38
> Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-08
> Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-16
> Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-35
> Sonata in C Major Wq. 65-36
> Sonata in C Minor Wq. 65-31
> Sonata in C Minor Wq. 65-49
> Sonata in D minor Wq. 65-03
> Sonata in D minor Wq. 65-23
> Sonata in D minor Wq. 65-24
> Sonata in E Major Wq. 65-29
> Sonata in E Major Wq. 65-46
> Sonata in E minor Wq. 65-05
> Sonata in E minor Wq. 65-4
> Sonata in E minor Wq. 65/30
> Sonata in E minor Wq. 65/30
> Sonata in E-flat Major Wq. 65-07
> Sonata in E-flat Major Wq. 65-42
> Sonata in E-flat Major Wq. 65/28
> Sonata in F Major Wq. 65-01
> Sonata in F Major Wq. 65-18
> Sonata in F Major Wq. 65-19
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-06
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-15
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-22
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-48
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65-50
> Sonata in G Major Wq. 65/26
> Sonata in G minor Wq. 65-11
> Sonata in G minor Wq. 65-17
> Sonata in G minor Wq. 65/27