This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
The introduction was written by ChatGPT4o.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "Many of the pieces included in Wq. 122 are titled ʼSinfonia,ʼ but is this not reflected in the title?"
Indeed, many of the pieces included in Wq. 122 are classified as "Sinfonia," but this fact is not explicitly indicated in the title. The title "Nachlass von Stücken für Clavier" (Posthumous Collection of Keyboard Pieces) suggests that this collection comprises various small pieces for keyboard instruments, but it does not reflect the specific forms or contents (e.g., Sinfonia) of the included works.
This is likely because, in Emanuel Bachʼs time, collection titles were often given as comprehensive labels. Especially in his posthumous collections, editors or publishers might have used such titles when compiling diverse pieces. Therefore, while the form of "Sinfonia" can be discerned from the scores or commentary, it is not reflected in the title itself.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "For what kind of instruments was Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 122 originally composed?"
Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 122 was originally composed with keyboard instruments (specifically the clavichord or harpsichord) in mind. This work is known under the title **"Sechs Übungsstücke"** (Six Practice Pieces) and was published in 1765.
In the late 18th century Germany, where Emanuel Bach was active, the clavichord was widely popular as a household instrument, and he himself was fond of the clavichord. Therefore, it is highly likely that Wq. 122 was composed with the clavichord in mind. However, it can also be performed on the harpsichord or, later, on early fortepianos.
Like Emanuel Bachʼs other keyboard works, Wq. 122 was written with the intent of developing performance skills and musical expression, and it is believed to have had an educational purpose as well.
Asked ChatGPT4o: "The title of Wq. 122 seems to include ʼSinfonia,ʼ but does this not imply an ensemble piece?"
Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 122 is titled "Six Sinfonias" (Sechs Sinfonien), but in this context, the term "Sinfonia" does not necessarily refer to a "symphony" or "ensemble piece" in the modern sense.
At the time, the term Sinfonia was used very flexibly and could have various meanings, such as:
A short instrumental piece with an overture-like character
A solo piece for keyboard instruments
Chamber music or ensemble pieces
The "Sinfonias" in Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 122 were composed as solo pieces for keyboard instruments. Therefore, in this case, it does not refer to ensemble pieces but to works for solo keyboard instruments. This title suggests that the character of the pieces is related to small-scale instrumental works or polyphonic arrangements, reflecting the broad meaning of the term "Sinfonia" at the time.
Indeed, the term "Sinfonia" itself, by the time of Mozart and Haydn, generally referred to orchestral ensemble pieces. However, Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 122 should be understood in the context of solo keyboard works, not ensemble pieces.