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Carl Filipp Emanuel BachComposer, second son of Johann Sebastian Bach
Date of Birth: 08.03.1714
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Biography of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was a composer and the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was born on March 8, 1714 in Weimar. Despite initially studying law, his father was supportive of his interest in lighter, more brilliant style of music. It was this direction of his musical talent that made Carl Philipp Emanuel great, and he is rightfully considered the father of modern instrumental music and a precursor to Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven in the field of sonatas, symphonies, and other instrumental forms.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 8, 1714 in Weimar, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He initially studied law, and his father was accepting of his enthusiasm for light, brilliant style of music. However, it was this particular direction of his musical talent that made him great.
Music Career
Instead of pursuing law, Bach became captivated by music and founded a vocal society in Frankfurt-an-der-Oder. In 1738, he moved to Berlin and in 1740, he became the court pianist, accompanying Frederick the Great, who played the flute. However, the Seven Years' War cooled the king's interest in music, leading to Bach's resignation. He then relocated to Hamburg, where he assumed the position of director of church music previously held by Telemann. Bach remained in Hamburg until his death on December 14, 1788.
Contributions and Works
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's main contribution lies in his influence on piano performance through his composition "Essay on the True Art of Playing Keyboard Instruments," as well as his highly artistic style of playing and his compositions. The composer left behind a vast number of works, particularly for the piano, including 210 piano pieces, 52 concertos, numerous sonatas, symphonies, and more. While he also wrote a significant amount of works in the field of church music, such as 22 Passions, several cantatas, "Sanctus" for two choirs, oratorio "The Israelites in the Desert," his importance is relatively smaller in this area.
