Solfeggio | Piano Play-Along
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Composed in the mid-18th century and published in 1770 as part of his Kenner und Liebhaber (“For Connoisseurs and Amateurs”) series, Solfeggio in C Minor, H. 220 (Wq. 117/2), is one of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s most well-known solo keyboard works. Though brief, the piece is a striking example of the Empfindsamer Stil (“sensitive style”) that C.P.E. Bach championed throughout his career—a style of playing which can be characterized by sharp contrasts, sudden shifts, and heightened emotional expression.
The Solfeggio is through-composed, lacking a clear sectional division like binary or ternary form, and unfolds as a single, intense burst of virtuosic energy. It’s a brilliant showcase of technical agility and emotional volatility, reflecting C.P.E. Bach’s desire to move music beyond rigid conventions and into the realm of deeply personal expression.
Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach was born in Weimar, Germany on March 8th 1714. Carl had an advantage which helped set him apart from other musicians of his day. He was the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach and received his musical education from his father. Being the son of such an important figure in music history did not leave him in the shadows. In fact, he went on to have quite a successful career.
