Why do so many pieces of classical music have only a technical name (Sonata #5, Concerto 2 in A minor, symphony #4, etc.) instead of a “name” like Fuhr Elise or Eine Kline Nachtmusik?

Question

I can only speak for myself, but this makes it really hard to keep track of the songs I like. I love listening to classical music but if you asked me my favorite artists I would have difficulty telling you specifics.

In: 8720

Answer 1

I’m not sure about all the others, but if you go through the BWV (Bach’s catalog), you’ll find that a great many of the numbered pieces do have names too!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis

For scholars that have to deal with thousands upon thousands of pieces, numbers are mostly just an easier way to organize things.

Though I also get what you’re asking isn’t necessarily about cataloguing….many times composers do simply name a piece something like “Sonata #1”.

There’s many reasons to do this, but composers will often do “studies” in themes, melodies, harmonies, etc.

Think about it like this: Van Gogh has a ton of different paintings that are just called “Sunflowers” and there’s a smorgasbord of paintings that are just called “Woman on Chair” or “Bowl of Grapes with a Wine Bottle”

I’m probably not doing a good job of making myself clear, but I hope this helps!