Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical eras in music.
Early life
Born on March 8, 1714, in Weimar, Germany, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most illustrious composers in music history, and Maria Barbara Bach. Given his father’s reputation and influence, it’s no surprise that young Emanuel’s life was steeped in music from a very early age. The Bach family home was a place where musical activities were a daily routine.
C.P.E. Bach received his primary music education from his father, learning keyboard, composition, and the intricate contrapuntal techniques for which the Bach family was known. His father’s rigorous musical training laid a solid foundation for the young Bach.
Education and early career
After leaving the family home, Bach attended the University of Leipzig, initially studying law. However, music remained his primary passion, and he continued to compose and perform throughout his time at university.
By 1740, Bach had moved to Frankfurt on the Oder to study law, but once again, music took precedence. He began serving as a harpsichordist at the court of Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, the future King Frederick II.
Berlin years
In Berlin, C.P.E. Bach’s reputation grew, both as a performer and a composer. He became an essential musical figure in the court, frequently accompanying King Frederick’s flute playing with his accomplished harpsichord skills.
During these years, his compositional style began to deviate from the strict counterpoint and intricate fugal techniques of his father, moving towards a style that highlighted expressive feeling and emotion – a hallmark of the emerging “Empfindsamer Stil” or “sensitive style.” This style is particularly evident in his keyboard works, which are characterized by their dramatic contrasts and deep expressivity.
Hamburg years
In 1768, Bach left Berlin to take up the post of Music Director in Hamburg, succeeding his godfather, Telemann. Here, he was responsible for the music in the city’s five main churches.
His Hamburg years were marked by a surge in choral compositions, including many sacred works, as he now had more ecclesiastical duties. He also continued his prolific output of keyboard music, which included sonatas, fantasies, and rondos.
In Hamburg, C.P.E. Bach’s reputation as a leading figure of the Classical period was cemented. He actively engaged in public concerts, a relatively new phenomenon, and further expanded his compositional palette.
Legacy
C.P.E. Bach passed away in Hamburg on December 14, 1788. His influence was widespread. The transitional nature of his style — straddling the worlds of Baroque intricacy and Classical clarity — made a significant impact on the evolution of Classical music.
Composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven admired and were influenced by his work. His treatise, “Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments,” was an influential work on keyboard technique and interpretation.
Today, while he might not have the household-name status of his father, J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach is recognized as a vital figure in the world of music, bridging the gap between two significant eras and leaving behind a vast and expressive body of work.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714 – 1788)
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical eras in music.
Early life
Born on March 8, 1714, in Weimar, Germany, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most illustrious composers in music history, and Maria Barbara Bach. Given his father’s reputation and influence, it’s no surprise that young Emanuel’s life was steeped in music from a very early age. The Bach family home was a place where musical activities were a daily routine.
C.P.E. Bach received his primary music education from his father, learning keyboard, composition, and the intricate contrapuntal techniques for which the Bach family was known. His father’s rigorous musical training laid a solid foundation for the young Bach.
Education and early career
After leaving the family home, Bach attended the University of Leipzig, initially studying law. However, music remained his primary passion, and he continued to compose and perform throughout his time at university.
By 1740, Bach had moved to Frankfurt on the Oder to study law, but once again, music took precedence. He began serving as a harpsichordist at the court of Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia, the future King Frederick II.
Berlin years
In Berlin, C.P.E. Bach’s reputation grew, both as a performer and a composer. He became an essential musical figure in the court, frequently accompanying King Frederick’s flute playing with his accomplished harpsichord skills.
During these years, his compositional style began to deviate from the strict counterpoint and intricate fugal techniques of his father, moving towards a style that highlighted expressive feeling and emotion – a hallmark of the emerging “Empfindsamer Stil” or “sensitive style.” This style is particularly evident in his keyboard works, which are characterized by their dramatic contrasts and deep expressivity.
Hamburg years
In 1768, Bach left Berlin to take up the post of Music Director in Hamburg, succeeding his godfather, Telemann. Here, he was responsible for the music in the city’s five main churches.
His Hamburg years were marked by a surge in choral compositions, including many sacred works, as he now had more ecclesiastical duties. He also continued his prolific output of keyboard music, which included sonatas, fantasies, and rondos.
In Hamburg, C.P.E. Bach’s reputation as a leading figure of the Classical period was cemented. He actively engaged in public concerts, a relatively new phenomenon, and further expanded his compositional palette.
Legacy
C.P.E. Bach passed away in Hamburg on December 14, 1788. His influence was widespread. The transitional nature of his style — straddling the worlds of Baroque intricacy and Classical clarity — made a significant impact on the evolution of Classical music.
Composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven admired and were influenced by his work. His treatise, “Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments,” was an influential work on keyboard technique and interpretation.
Today, while he might not have the household-name status of his father, J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach is recognized as a vital figure in the world of music, bridging the gap between two significant eras and leaving behind a vast and expressive body of work.
Discography
Introductio
Postscript