Sonata in C minor Op. 5 No. 6

Johann Christian Bach

Born: Leipzig, Germany, 1738; Died: London, England, 1782

  1. Grave
  2. Allegro moderato
  3. Allegretto

Johann Christian Bach was the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. Moving to Berlin in 1750 after his father died, Bach studied composition and harpsichord with his brother, Carl Philipp Emanuel. In 1762, he migrated to England and spent his life with music works here.

The style of Johann Christian Bach was different from his father and his brother, he presented ideas between baroque and classical period. He had many instrumental works which each instrument was distinguished by one opus number e.g. six op. 5 sonatas for harpsichord or pianoforte. The form of Piano Sonata Op.5 was almost similar to sonata form in classical era. There is two to three movements in different styles but the last sonata in C minor could be the most beautiful and expressive.

The first movement which exactly shows melody and accompaniment starts with C minor chord followed by arpeggios. This magnificent Grave is a prelude; it does seem to introduce the fughetta in the second movement. Allegretto, the graceful last movement is a gavotte in rondo form.