Top > The Compositional Style of C.P.E. Bach > Revisions of C.P.E. Bachʼs Works > Performances Based on Early Manuscripts

This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.

Performances Based on Early Manuscripts

ChatGPT4o writes as follows (please note that it may not be accurate):

Asked ChatGPT4o: “It is said that Emanuel Bach continued to revise his compositions until his later years. Are there recordings based on the early manuscripts?”

It is well known that Emanuel Bach continued to revise his works until his later years, and performances based on early manuscripts are a fascinating topic for understanding his creative process and musical evolution.

However, regarding the existence of recordings based on early manuscripts, the following points are relevant:

1. Impact of Revised Editions

Emanuel Bachʼs compositions were published multiple times during his lifetime, each with different editions. Performers and researchers usually perform based on the final edition or the edition believed to be approved by him. As a result, recordings based on early editions are relatively few.

2. Existence of Scholarly Recordings

In recent years, as part of the study and practice of early music, recordings based on early editions have been made. Especially in recordings by early music ensembles or research-oriented performers, performances based on early or unrevised editions may be attempted.

3. Methods to Search for Recordings

To investigate whether specific recordings exist, the following methods can be helpful:

• Check recording information for each piece (e.g., Wq numbers or H numbers).
• Focus on artists (e.g., Markovina) or labels (e.g., CPO, Harmonia Mundi) that adopt a scholarly approach.
• Recording notes or booklets may mention the use of early editions.

If there is a specific piece (for example, a Wq number or H number), you can investigate whether a performance based on the early edition has been recorded. If you provide more details, I can offer more specific information.

Asked ChatGPT4o: “Arenʼt the work numbers the same for both early and later revised scores? If so, even if you look up the work number, you wonʼt know which edition the performance is based on.”

You are correct. Emanuel Bachʼs work numbers (Wq numbers or H numbers) generally refer to the piece itself and do not distinguish between revisions or edition differences. Therefore, it is difficult to identify whether it is an early or revised edition based solely on the work number.

Methods to Identify Editions

To identify which edition is being used, the following methods are effective:

1. Check the recording notes or booklet
2. The recording notes (CD booklets or detailed information on streaming sites) may indicate which edition is being used. Especially in scholarly recordings or those emphasizing historical performance, there is often mention of early or revised editions.
3. Look for recordings using scholarly editions
4. Emanuel Bachʼs scores are currently published by several reliable scholarly editions (e.g., Bärenreiter or Henle). These editions may include information about different editions (early or revised).
5. Research recordings by specialists or experts
6. Recordings by performers or researchers specializing in Emanuel Bachʼs works (e.g., Miklós Spányi) often clearly explain the choice of edition.
7. Know the characteristics and differences of editions
8. Emanuel Bachʼs compositions may undergo significant changes in revised editions or remain relatively minor. By knowing the differences in editions for specific pieces, you can infer the content of the recording.

Difficulty in Finding Recordings of Early Editions

In recordings, it is common to use revised editions, so recordings based on early editions are very rare. Therefore, when specifically searching for “recordings of early editions,” it is necessary to add the following information for investigation:

• Recordings mentioning “early edition” or “Urtext.”
• Performances based on “Autograph” or “First Edition.”

If you are interested in specific pieces or recordings, further detailed research is possible, so please let me know!

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