This post was created in specific response to James M. Keller's
article in Chamber Music about the 300th anniversary of the
birth of Carl
Philipp
Emmanuel Bach.
The article, "A Tricentennial Nod to C.P.E. Bach", points
out that the anniversary is likely to go "largely uncelebrated",
and easily makes the case that this lack of attention is unjustified.
As it turns out, there are
celebrations taking place, but perhaps not in the U.S.; this blog entry is an attempt to spread
the word and give some ideas about how to get in on the fun.
Piano teachers and students, if
they
know
nothing
else
about
C.P.E.
Bach,
know
him
for
the
"Solfeggietto",
H.
220, W.
117. Here are two
tutorials
on the piece. It has been transcribed
for
other
instruments,
as
well.
He also
wrote
several
pieces
included
in his father's Notebooks
for Anna Magdalena Bach.
But he also wrote for many
other
instruments,
in many combinations. His works for chorus and orchestra
include a Magnificat
and oratorios, such as Israel
in the Wilderness and Resurrection
and Ascension of Jesus.
So how can you celebrate? If you play or teach the flute, piano, and/or other instruments he wrote for, it's easy: simply study and teach C.P.E. Bach's works, include them in recital programs, and mention the anniversary in your publicity. If you study an instrument that he didn't write for, why not transcribe or arrange one or more of his pieces? While there are a number of recordings of his work on Wikimedia Commons, there is still plenty of room for contributions; why not upload a recording of your performance (being aware of these guidelines)?
