Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1737

Publication Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

10:40

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

The Sonata for keyboard in B flat major, H. 18, Wq. 65/9, is a solo keyboard work composed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. It was likely composed in the 1760s, during Bach's time as harpsichordist to the court of King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The sonata is in three movements and is characteristic of Bach's mature style, which is marked by a departure from the strict counterpoint of his father's music and a greater emphasis on expressive melody and harmonic innovation. The first movement of the sonata is marked Allegro di molto and is in sonata form. It begins with a lively and virtuosic theme that is immediately developed through a series of modulations and variations. The second theme is more lyrical and expressive, and is presented in the relative minor key of G minor. The development section is particularly notable for its use of unexpected harmonic shifts and sudden changes in texture and dynamics. The movement concludes with a recapitulation of the main themes, followed by a coda that brings the piece to a dramatic close. The second movement of the sonata is marked Andante and is in ternary form. It is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases Bach's gift for melody. The opening theme is presented in the right hand over a simple accompaniment in the left hand. The middle section of the movement features a more elaborate and ornamented version of the theme, before returning to the original material for the final section. The final movement of the sonata is marked Allegro assai and is in rondo form. It is a lively and energetic piece that features a catchy and memorable main theme that is presented in various guises throughout the movement. The middle section of the movement is more subdued and features a more lyrical and expressive theme. The movement concludes with a return to the main theme and a virtuosic coda that brings the sonata to a thrilling close. Overall, the Sonata for keyboard in B flat major, H. 18, Wq. 65/9, is a masterful example of Bach's mature style. It showcases his gift for melody, his innovative approach to harmony, and his virtuosic keyboard writing. It remains a popular and frequently performed work in the keyboard repertoire.

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