Primary Composers of the Empfindsamkeit Style
The Empfindsamkeit style, also known as the “sensitive style,” was an important musical movement that emerged in northern Germany during the mid-18th century. It was characterized by its emphasis on expressing a variety of deeply felt emotions within a musical work. This aesthetic was in line with the cultural climate of the Enlightenment, which valued the expression of emotions in both art and everyday life. Composers of the Empfindsamkeit style sought to imbue their music with simplicity, naturalness, and exaggerated expressiveness.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, born in 1714, was the fifth child and second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is considered one of the most significant representatives of the Empfindsamkeit style. His compositions are characterized by their emotional depth and expressive character, achieved through rapid changes of mood and well-defined themes.
Johann Joachim Quantz
Johann Joachim Quantz, born in 1697, was a German flutist, composer, and flute maker. He made notable contributions to flute technique and composition during the 18th century. Quantz was associated with the Empfindsamkeit style and integrated its expressive elements into his works.
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, born in 1710, was the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is also considered a representative of the Empfindsamkeit style. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach made significant contributions to the development of the style through his keyboard compositions. His works showcased expressive and emotional qualities, employing well-defined themes and contrasting moods.
Johann Abraham Peter Schulz
Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, born in 1747, was a German composer and conductor associated with the Empfindsamkeit style. He was known for his vocal compositions, including lieder and choral works, which exemplified the emotional depth and sensitivity characteristic of the Empfindsamkeit style.
Jiří Antonín Benda
Jiří Antonín Benda, born in 1722, was a Czech composer and violinist. He is regarded as one of the few outstanding masters of the Empfindsamkeit style. Benda’s compositions were highly expressive and emotional, capturing the essence of this musical movement.
These composers, including Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Joachim Quantz, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, and Jiří Antonín Benda, played a crucial role in shaping and defining the Empfindsamkeit style.
Sources:
- Empfindsamer Stil. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/empfindsamer-Stil
- Empfindsamkeit (music). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empfindsamkeit_(music)
FAQs
Who were the primary composers associated with the Empfindsamkeit style?
The primary composers associated with the Empfindsamkeit style were Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Joachim Quantz, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, and Jiří Antonín Benda.
What were the significant contributions of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach to the Empfindsamkeit style?
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, one of the most significant representatives of the Empfindsamkeit style, composed music characterized by emotional depth and expressive character. He achieved this through rapid changes of mood and well-defined themes.
How did Johann Joachim Quantz contribute to the Empfindsamkeit style?
Johann Joachim Quantz, a German flutist and composer, made notable contributions to flute technique and composition during the 18th century. He integrated the expressive elements of the Empfindsamkeit style into his works.
What were Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s contributions to the development of the Empfindsamkeit style?
Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, contributed significantly to the development of the Empfindsamkeit style through his keyboard compositions. His works showcased expressive and emotional qualities, employing well-defined themes and contrasting moods.
How did Johann Abraham Peter Schulz exemplify the characteristics of the Empfindsamkeit style?
Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, a German composer and conductor, was known for his vocal compositions, including lieder and choral works. His works exemplified the emotional depth and sensitivity characteristic of the Empfindsamkeit style.
What distinguishes Jiří Antonín Benda as a master of the Empfindsamkeit style?
Jiří Antonín Benda, a Czech composer and violinist, is regarded as one of the few outstanding masters of the Empfindsamkeit style. His compositions were highly expressive and emotional, capturing the essence of this musical movement.
Were there any other notable composers associated with the Empfindsamkeit style?
While the primary composers discussed earlier were prominent figures of the Empfindsamkeit style, there were other notable composers who also contributed to this musical movement. Some examples include Johann Gottfried Müthel, Johann Gottfried Eckard, and Friedrich Wilhelm Rust.
How did the Empfindsamkeit style influence later musical developments?
The Empfindsamkeit style had a significant impact on later musical developments. Its emphasis on expressing emotions and the exploration of the psychological aspects of music paved the way for the Sturm und Drang movement in the late 18th century, as well as the Romantic period in the 19th century.