Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was so highly regarded in the second half of the 18th century that when people spoke of the 'great Bach,' they were referring to him, not his father Johann Sebastian Bach.
Historical Context
During Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's 30 years at the Prussian court, the musical taste became conservative, leading him and other composers to participate in private music circles that fostered original and innovative works.
Composition History
In 2001, the archive of the Berlin Sing-Akademie was rediscovered in Kiev and returned to Berlin, revealing many lost works by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, including a concerto for transverse flute and orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Contemporaries admired Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach for his innovative harmony and melodic treatment, and the richness of feeling reflected in his music.
Composition History
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach composed over 50 instrumental concertos, with at least a dozen originally written for instruments other than the harpsichord, such as the flute and cello.
Cultural Impact
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's "Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments" (1753/62) was a standard work until the early 19th century and was even used by Beethoven to teach the young Czerny.
Composer Biography
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's move to Hamburg as music director and cantor, following the death of his godfather Telemann, offered him more free time to compose as he wished, unlike his father Johann Sebastian Bach.
