The harpsichord concertos of Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784) have suffered undeserved neglect. The four authenticated solo concertos remain in manuscript, with the result that his contribution to the history of the keyboard concerto has been largely overlooked. This study begins to correct this situation by examining these four concertos--F41 in D Major, F43 in E Minor, F44 in F Major, and F45 in A Minor--as well as the published two-harpsichord Concerto in E-Flat Major, F46, and the incomplete Concerto in E-Flat Major, F42 in order to assess W. F. Bach's contribution to the keyboard concerto following its origins in the early 1700s. The results of this investigation show that W. F. Bach took the early keyboard concerto of his father's generation and added many of the characteristics which became associated with the mid-eighteenth century concerto. Friedemann retained the polyphonic interplay between tutti and solo, harmonic language, and tonal plan of his father's compositions and added a wealth of rhythmic ideas and a more modern melodic style. He worked within an established four ritornello/three solo plan for the outer movements, but employed a variety of formal plans for the middle movements. Friedemann heightened the contrast between the solo and the orchestra and infused the solo part with formidable virtuosity. At the same time he ensured that the solo and tutti material was related so that the two forces would work together while maintaining distinct identities. This study shows the high merit of W. F. Bach's harpsichord concertos and adds to another chapter in the history of the pre-Classical keyboard concerto.

This investigation deals with three leading representatives of the North German Pre-Clasaical School. The sonatas of W.F. Bach and G. Benda have as yet received little attention. E .Bach, on the other hand, was always regarded as the most influential composer in the early history of the German piano sonata. Nevertheless, the existing literature on C.P.E. Bach is concerned with certain aspects or his works only or is devoted to introductory discussions. The aims of this research is to trace the development of the piano sonata and in particular the evolution of the 'sonata form' within the German Pre-Classical School. The works of W.F. Bach present the earliest stage in this development, which reaches its culmination with C.P.E. Bach. The final consolidation of the sonata form is then achieved in the piano sonatas of G. Benda.