Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

after 1755

Publication Date

:

1762

Average_duration

:

13:37

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's Sinfonia in E minor, H. 115, Wq. 122/3 is a three-movement work for strings and continuo. It was composed in 1758 and premiered in Hamburg, Germany. The sinfonia is an arrangement of two earlier works by Bach, H. 652 and H. 653, which were composed for harpsichord and orchestra. The first movement of the sinfonia is marked Allegro assai and is in sonata form. It begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the strings, which is then developed and expanded upon throughout the movement. The second theme is more lyrical and provides a contrast to the first. The development section is particularly notable for its use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the main themes. The second movement is marked Andante and is in ternary form. It is a beautiful and expressive melody played by the strings with a simple accompaniment from the continuo. The middle section provides a contrast with a more complex and ornamented melody before returning to the main theme. The final movement is marked Allegro di molto and is in rondo form. It is a lively and playful movement with a catchy main theme played by the strings. The middle section provides a contrast with a more lyrical and expressive melody before returning to the main theme. The movement ends with a coda that brings the work to a satisfying conclusion. The sinfonia is characteristic of Bach's style, with its use of unexpected harmonic shifts, chromaticism, and expressive melodies. It is also notable for its use of the continuo, which provides a simple but effective accompaniment to the strings. Overall, the sinfonia is a delightful and engaging work that showcases Bach's skill as a composer.

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