CPE Bach Complete Sonatas Vol 1 WQ 123/124

EB 9346 Vol. 1: Sonatas in G major Wq 123 and in E minor Wq 124

The Basso Continuo Sonatas, of which there are eleven in total, are divided up between six volumes; this volume contains Wq 123 (G major) and Wq 124 (e minor), written in 1735 (when CPE Bach was studying in Frankfurt an der Oder) and 1737 respectively. These two early Sonatas have 3 movements, all in the tonic key, and follow a slow-fast-Minuet with variations format. It is thought that this form may have been inspired by Locatelli’s Op. 2 No. 10 Sonata, which CPE Bach used as a theme for a set of variations for keyboard in 1735 (see Leisinger’s excellent preface to the edition for further details).

The score has both a keyboard realisation (with figures provided) and a playing score for flute and basso continuo, providing a choice of approaches depending on the expertise and experience of the keyboard player. The materials are clearly presented, although the page turns in the e minor Sonata need to be negotiated while playing. These are both charming, relatively uncomplicated works, which characterise CPE Bach’s early style well. They could be tackled by intermediate players and would serve as a good introduction to historically informed performance of the late baroque style.