The Pianoforte Sonata - Its Origin and Development by J. S. (John South) Shedlock
page 70 of 217 (32%)
page 70 of 217 (32%)
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occasionally there are chord passages in which for the moment the
number is increased. We have dwelt somewhat in detail on this work, as it appears to be little known. There is a sonata in the key of D major, published in the 3rd Collection (1763) of Marpurg's _Clavierstücke_ (p. 10), by E. Bach, which was written in the same year (1740), but earlier than the "Frederick" Sonatas. C.H. Bitter remarks that if the year of composition were not known, it would certainly pass as a much later work. The first movement reminds one of Beethoven's terse, bold style. Bitter refers to the freedom with which the thoughts are expressed, to the melodious character of the Andante, and to the humour of the Finale. He might also have referred to the style of writing for the instrument, which suggests a later date. In 1745 (?) appeared the Würtemberg Sonatas (so called because they were dedicated to Bach's pupil, the _Duca di Wirtemberg e Teckh_, as he is named on the title-page of the original edition). These sonatas are marked as Opera seconda. They were offered by the composer to the Duke in recognition of the many favours shown to him "at the time when I had the honour of giving you lessons in music at Berlin."[65] Of these sonatas we have only been able to have access to the two preserved in the British Museum; the others are probably of similar character. No. 1, in E flat, opens with an Adagio, followed by an Allegro assai (E flat), and then by a Menuet alternato and Trio, both in E flat, and with the former _da capo_. The first and second movements are in old binary form; the Allegro shows the influence of D. Scarlatti. The Minuet is fresh and pleasing. It is evident, taking E. Bach himself |
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