Sonata in G Major ‘Hamburger’

Description

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788), the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach, was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical era. His music embodies the empfindsamer Stil (“sensitive style”), characterized by expressive contrasts, unexpected harmonic turns, and lyrical yet dramatic phrasing. The Hamburger Sonata in G Major for flute and basso continuo, composed around 1786, is one of C.P.E. Bach’s most famous flute works. Written during his tenure as music director in Hamburg, the sonata showcases his innovative and highly personal style. In this flute trio arrangement, Flute 1 plays the original solo part, while the continuo accompaniment has been arranged for Flute 2 and bass flute, with an alternate part for alto flute. Teachers may play only the bass line with students in preparation for performance with piano or continuo, while intermediate to advanced players will enjoy this chamber music arrangement of a standard flute solo.