Johann Sebastian Bach

(born 1685 – died 1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer of the Baroque period.

He is famous for writing both instrumental compositions and vocal music.

Today he is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.

BIOGRAPHY:

Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany, into a great musical family.  His father was the director of the town musicians, and all of his uncles were professional musicians.  His father taught him to play the violin and harpsichord, and his brother taught him the clavichord and exposed him to contemporary music.

Bach attended St. Michael's School in Lüneburg before holding several important musical posts across Germany.  He served as director of music to Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, and also at the main Lutheran churches.  He taught music at St. Thomas School, Leipzig, and was awarded the title of "Royal Court Composer" from Augustus III in 1736.

Bach's health and vision declined in 1749, and he died on 28 July 1750.  After his death, Bach's reputation as a composer began to fade away.  His work was considered old-fashioned compared to the new “Galant” style.  However, following a revival of his music in the 20th century, he came to be regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. 

In the 21st century, the complete works of Bach became available on-line, with several websites exclusively dedicated to him (for example, The Netherlands Bach Society Online).

Selected Works:

Bach composed over 1,000 works, including 4-part chorales, songs, arias, cantatas, motets, masses, oratorios, Magnificats and Passions.  His instrumental music includes concertos, suites, sonatas, fugues, and works for organ, harpsichord, lute, violin, cello, flute, chamber ensemble and orchestra.  

Some of his more famous compositions include:

- Six Brandenburg Concertos

- Organ Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV542

- Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 "Dorian"

- The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book 1, BWV 846-869

- Goldberg Variations

- St. Matthew Passion