Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1740 - 1742

Publication Date

:

1742

Average_duration

:

64:35

Movement_count

:

18

Movement ....

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's 'Prussian Sonatas' are a set of six sonatas for keyboard, composed in 1742-1745. The sonatas were dedicated to Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, who was a patron of the arts and a skilled flutist. The sonatas were premiered by Bach himself in the presence of the king, who was reportedly impressed by the music. The sonatas are written in the galant style, which was popular in the mid-18th century. This style is characterized by light, elegant melodies, simple harmonies, and a focus on melody and ornamentation. The sonatas are also notable for their use of the empfindsamer Stil, or "sensitive style," which was a precursor to the Romantic era. This style is characterized by expressive, emotional melodies and a focus on the individual voice. Each of the six sonatas is in three movements: a fast opening movement, a slow middle movement, and a lively finale. The first movement of each sonata is in sonata form, with an exposition, development, and recapitulation. The slow middle movements are typically in a lyrical, singing style, with expressive melodies and rich harmonies. The finales are often in a dance-like style, with lively rhythms and playful melodies. The sonatas are notable for their technical demands, particularly in the fast opening movements. Bach was known for his virtuosic keyboard playing, and he wrote these sonatas to showcase his own abilities. The sonatas also feature a wide range of keyboard techniques, including rapid arpeggios, trills, and ornamentation. Overall, the 'Prussian Sonatas' are a significant contribution to the keyboard repertoire of the mid-18th century. They showcase Bach's virtuosic keyboard playing and his mastery of the galant and empfindsamer styles. They remain popular with keyboardists today and are frequently performed and recorded.

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