Homepage > ★C.P.E. Bachʼs Musical Works > Differences Between Sinfonias Wq. 177 and Wq. 178

This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).

Differences Between Sinfonias Wq. 177 and Wq. 178

Among Emanuel Bachʼs sinfonias, there are Wq. 177 and Wq. 178, and when you listen to just the beginning, you canʼt tell the difference. So, I asked ChatGPT4o, but the answer was nonsense:

I asked ChatGPT4o: "Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 177 and Wq. 178 sound almost the same, but how are they different?"

Emanuel Bachʼs Wq. 177 and Wq. 178 are both sonatas that symbolize his empfindsamer Stil and indeed have a similar atmosphere. However, they differ in several aspects. Here are the main differences.

1. Tonality

[The keys of Wq. 177 and Wq. 178 are the same.]

• Wq. 177 is written in C minor.
• Wq. 178 is written in A minor. The difference in tonality gives the pieces a different overall atmosphere. C minor imparts a more severe and weighty impression, while A minor carries a somewhat lighter pathos.

2. Structural Features

• Both pieces are structured in three movements, but there are differences in the detailed form of each movement.[It is assumed that there is not much difference other than the use of wind instruments.]
  • Wq. 177
    • The first movement is in sonata form, with tension emphasized in the development section.
    • The second movement is a slow movement, with introspective and decorative melodies characteristic of the empfindsamer Stil.
    • The third movement is a fast and lively finale, with a structure close to rondo form.
  • Wq. 178
    • The first movement is also in sonata form, but the development section is concise, giving a more direct impression.
    • The second movement is a cantabile andante, with restrained use of ornamentation.
    • The third movement uses more rhythmic and driving motifs.

3. Melody and Harmony

[It is assumed that there is not much difference in melody and harmony, but when listening to the performance, Wq. 178 is played more smoothly.]

• The melody of Wq. 177 is dramatic, with frequent changes in harmony. Particularly, modulations and ambiguous tonal sections emphasize drama.
• The melody of Wq. 178 is smooth and rhythmic, with simple and stable harmony.

4. Performance Technique

• Wq. 177 employs many ornaments and contrapuntal elements, requiring advanced technique from the performer.
• Wq. 178 focuses more on the expressiveness and nuances of the melody rather than technicality.

Conclusion

Both pieces differ in tonality, structure, and detailed expression, with Wq. 177 having a dramatic and tense character and Wq. 178 having a lyrical and introspective character. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere is similar because both pieces are permeated by the contrasting emotions and expressive methods common to the empfindsamer Stil.

If you have specific scores or recordings, you can compare specific sections for a more detailed analysis. Feel free to point them out!

Having no other choice, I investigated myself and found that Wq. 177 is a version for strings and basso continuo only, while Wq. 178 is an orchestral version including wind instruments. When comparing the two, Wq. 178 is far more interesting. Both have recordings, but in the 60-disc CD set “C. P. E. Bach Edition\>, it is Wq. 178 that is included.

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