Part C - Piano Concerto

Question 1

Briefly describe Bach’s upbringing

Answer 1

• Born in 1770 into non-wealthy musical family
• Learnt piano and violin from his father
• Did not do high school
• Travelled to Vienna and improvised for Mozart

Question 2

Briefly describe Bach’s early period

Answer 2

• Moved to Vienna in 1792 to study with Haydn
• Performed as a keyboard virtuoso
• In 1801 he wrote letter about hearing loss
• Met woman who he wanted to marry
• Has an allowance from a patron

Question 3

Briefly describe Bach’s middle period

Answer 3

• In 1802 he wrote the Heiligenstadt testament
• Would not let hearing loss ruin his life
• Marked by the eroica symphony and appasionata sonata

Question 4

Briefly describe Bach’s late period

Answer 4

• Functioned under a modified patrionage system and aided by the rising middle class
• In 1809, he got paid to stay in Vienna

Question 5

Outline the context of this concerto

Answer 5

• Under the shadow of Mozart
• Wrote like Mozart until his late period
• 1800 annd 1803 it was written
• Premiered in 1803 with Beethoven as a soloist

Question 6

What are some of Bach’s contributions to the concerto?

Answer 6

1 - Decisive modulations during expo 1
2 - More frequent modulations to unrelated keys
3 - C minor = dramatic and heroic
4 - Written out cadenza
5 - Expansion on sonata form
6 - Linked movements