Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) composed his music during the Baroque Period (1600-1750) of music. While he was alive, Bach was actually more well-known as an organist than as a composer. He was born on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany, into a family of many musicians (in fact, when Bach was 50 years old, he recorded a history of his ancestors who were musicians; this book is called "Origin of the Musical Bach Family"). His father was a violinist, but, unfortunately, both of his parents died before Johann Sebastian was 10 years old. He went to live with his older brother, Johann Christoph (1671-1721) in Ohrdruf. At this time, J. S. Bach learned how to play the violin and also sang in the church choir. His brother also taught him how to play the organ and the harpsichord (remember, the piano had not been invented yet).

When he was 15 years old, young Bach went to Luneburg to become a member of the choir at St. Michael's School. He continued to study the organ as well. 3 years later, in 1703, he became the organist at Arnstadt, and began composing. It is said that Bach had a difficult time trying to get along with some of his musical colleagues, who were not great musicians. Sometimes he got into trouble with his bosses, who were the authorities of his church. One time in 1705, he walked 260 miles to the town of Lubeck to hear a world-renowned organist, Buxtehude, perform. He ended up in trouble with his bosses, who had given him one month's vacation to go. Bach ended up returning 3 months late!

In 1707, Bach married his first wife, Maria Barbara. They had 7 children. The following year, Bach accepted a position as the court organist for the Duke of Weimar. he kept this position until 1717. It is said that he wrote his greatest organ music at Weimar, including his famous "Toccata and Fugue in d minor". In 1714, he was also made director of the court orchestra. In this position, Bach had to compose a new "cantata" every month.

In 1717, Bach started a new job: "kapellmeister" to Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Kothen. It was during this time that he composed the 6 "Brandenburg Concertos", as well as keyboard pieces, such as the first book of the "Well-Tempered Clavier". In 1720, his wife died. In 1721, Bach married Anna Magdalena. This second marriage broughtBach 13 more children.

In 1723, Bach started another new job, as cantor of the Thomasschule in Leipzig. As part of his job, he taught boys at the school, directed music at several local churches, directed for the university, and composed for civic functions. Many people feel that Bach composed his greatest choral music during this time. He composed about 150 cantatas during the first 5 years that he was in this position!

In 1736, Bach was given an honorary position as the Composer to the Elector of Saxony. At this time, he was about 51 years old; during this time, he was able to visit Dresden to listen to operas for pleasure. Bach continued to write an enormous amount of music. He wrote a lot of keyboard music during the 1730's and 1740's. His great choral work, "The Mass in b-minor", is considered by many to be the greatest religious work ever composed.

Bach was working on another piece of music, "The Art of Fugue" in 1749, when he went blind. He had an operation on his eyes, and died a few months later, on July 28, 1750. His last work was never finished. Bach was deeply religious and dedicated many of his works to God ( the inscription reads: "S.D.G", or "Soli Deo Gloria"). Four of his sons also became famous as composers.

Bach's Music

Bach wrote in many different musical genres. He composed 3 major settings of the Passion (the story about the trial and death of Jesus Christ). He wrote the Mass in b-minor, considered great by all. The Brandenburg Concertos are very famous instrumental pieces. He wrote 2 major volumes of keyboard works (The Well-Tempered Clavier), which consist of 48 preludes and fugues. In addition, he also composed many concertos and cantatas. Bach also wrote a lot of music for the organ.

It is said that Bach mastered every style which was popular during his day. He is considered by some to be the greatest musician of all time.

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