Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach: A Unique Man in the Middle

How does one judge the significance of a composer? How does one determine how much of an impact a singular composer has? How influential were they on the music of the time and beyond? Why study thus? In the case of Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach, his music exhibits characteristics of both periods as one evolved into another. His publication of a keyboard instruction manual offered timely musical insight for that time and beyond. But just how significant a role did he play in the transition? This paper will examine C.P.E. Bach’s music and his influence in deciding how important a role he played and how other composers viewed him. Qualitative musical analysis of some of his keyboard literature will be undertaken. There will be an investigation into the baroque and classical periods, their respective musical traits, and cultural insights. Thus, an analysis will be made between C.P.E. keyboard analysis and the musical characteristics of the periods. A conclusion can be determined that C.P.E. Bach was a significant, singular composer worth studying. C.P.E. Bach was ‘a unique man in the middle’ through his musical innovation, ingenuity, and invention