The Link—Music between the Baroque and Classical Eras
In the early to mid-18th Century, instrumental music was becoming the most popular form of music. One prominent and revolutionary composer during this time was Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach (called “CPE” Bach). His music provides insight into what happened during the transition between the Baroque and the Classical era. His compositions written in the sensitive style inspired the next generation of composers, including Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. CPE Bach’s legacy was in that his music and philosophies helped to provide the stylistic link between the Baroque and Classical periods.
The German term “empfindsamer Stil”, or sensitive style, intended to create a new aesthetic in music. The aesthetic, …show more content…
He was born in 1714 and was the second eldest son of J.S. Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. Not only was he born into a musical family, but he was also fortunate enough to receive a music education. In 1738, he became employed by Frederick II, the King of Prussia, and remained at his service for about 30 years. Frederick II later inherited the throne of Berlin, and CPE Bach went to be his keyboard player. When Frederick had private home concertos in his palace at Potsdam, Bach accompanied him on continuo. It is believed that CPE Bach composed flute sonatas and concertos for Frederick to play at such functions. Frederick II was a huge advocate of music until the Seven Years’ War ended in 1763. Afterwards, his interest in music …show more content…
These key changes provide sudden changes of character which was, for the most part, absent in the Baroque era. Secondly, the concerto was an important, popular genre of the Classical era. Its use of varying dynamics contrast with the consistent dynamics (terraced dynamics) of the Baroque era. While the dynamics are not as fluctuated as later Classical period pieces, they are somewhat in the middle. Furthermore, the concerto’s dialogue between the solo flute and orchestra is a trademark of Classical era music. The dialogue is noticeable throughout the piece, creating intimacy and excitement. Also, the solo line is clear and the accompaniment does not overshadow it. Lastly, the flute’s faster and more rhythmically involved sections sound improvised and transcend time and space as the strings soar above it. Improvisation is arguably the most expressive form of music, because when musicians improvise they are “play[ing] from the soul” as CPE Bach said. The techniques employed by CPE Bach are the same ones heard throughout the Classical Era.
One can understand why CPE Bach’s compositions were ahead of the times when reading his philosophies about music. In 1753, he wrote a treatise called “An Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments.” In one particular section, CPE Bach makes an argument that becomes one of the greatest ideologies of the Classical Era. He
In the early to mid-18th Century, instrumental music was becoming the most popular form of music. One prominent and revolutionary composer during this time was Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach (called “CPE” Bach). His music provides insight into what happened during the transition between the Baroque and the Classical era. His compositions written in the sensitive style inspired the next generation of composers, including Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. CPE Bach’s legacy was in that his music and philosophies helped to provide the stylistic link between the Baroque and Classical periods.
The German term “empfindsamer Stil”, or sensitive style, intended to create a new aesthetic in music. The aesthetic, …show more content…
He was born in 1714 and was the second eldest son of J.S. Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. Not only was he born into a musical family, but he was also fortunate enough to receive a music education. In 1738, he became employed by Frederick II, the King of Prussia, and remained at his service for about 30 years. Frederick II later inherited the throne of Berlin, and CPE Bach went to be his keyboard player. When Frederick had private home concertos in his palace at Potsdam, Bach accompanied him on continuo. It is believed that CPE Bach composed flute sonatas and concertos for Frederick to play at such functions. Frederick II was a huge advocate of music until the Seven Years’ War ended in 1763. Afterwards, his interest in music …show more content…
These key changes provide sudden changes of character which was, for the most part, absent in the Baroque era. Secondly, the concerto was an important, popular genre of the Classical era. Its use of varying dynamics contrast with the consistent dynamics (terraced dynamics) of the Baroque era. While the dynamics are not as fluctuated as later Classical period pieces, they are somewhat in the middle. Furthermore, the concerto’s dialogue between the solo flute and orchestra is a trademark of Classical era music. The dialogue is noticeable throughout the piece, creating intimacy and excitement. Also, the solo line is clear and the accompaniment does not overshadow it. Lastly, the flute’s faster and more rhythmically involved sections sound improvised and transcend time and space as the strings soar above it. Improvisation is arguably the most expressive form of music, because when musicians improvise they are “play[ing] from the soul” as CPE Bach said. The techniques employed by CPE Bach are the same ones heard throughout the Classical Era.
One can understand why CPE Bach’s compositions were ahead of the times when reading his philosophies about music. In 1753, he wrote a treatise called “An Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments.” In one particular section, CPE Bach makes an argument that becomes one of the greatest ideologies of the Classical Era. He