By: Shay Shay Alston

Born/Death He was born March 21, 1685 – Eisenach He died July 28, Keipzig

Bach’s Family Background Bach's father, Johann Ambrosius, married Maria Elisabeth Lämmerhirt on April 8, They had eight children, five of which survived; Johann Sebastian (the youngest). Bach's father worked as a houseman and a musician in the ducal court of Saxe- Eisenach. Bach's mother died in 1694 and a few months later, Bach's father married Barbara Margaretha. Unfortunately, three months into his second marriage, he died of a serious illness.

Childhood When Bach was 9 years old, he attended his oldest brother's (Johann Christoph) wedding where he met Johann Pachelbel, composer of the famous Pachelbel Canon. When Bach's father died, he and his brother were adopted by Christoph.

Teenage Years Bach attended Lyceum until While at Lyceum, he learned reading, writing, arithmetic, singing, history, natural science, and religion. He was forth in his class when he finished his schooling.

Early Adult Years In 1707, Bach was hired to play for special services at a church in Mühlhausen; Bach composed the music in which he was to play. In 1708, Bach received and accepted a job offering with a higher salary from the Duke of Weimar, Wilhelm Ernst, to play in his court.

Mid-Adult Years While in Weimar, Bach was appointed court organist, and it is supposed that he wrote much of his organ music there. Much to the Dukes liking, along with Bach's salary increases, he earned the title of Konzertmeister (concert master). After seeking the more prestigious title of Kappelmeister (chapel master), he accepted an offer from Prince Leopold of Cöthen in 1717.

Late Adult Years After his days in Cöthen, Bach accepted the job as Kantor at the Thomasschule. Bach became extremely involved and composed much of his music in Leipzig. Bach spent the rest of his days there and in 1750, he died of a stroke.

J. S. Bach Quick Facts While in school, Bach studied orthodox Lutheranism, logic, rhetoric, Latin and Greek, arithmetic, history, geography and German poetry. Bach was a keyboard virtuoso. He mastered organ and later harpsichord. Although Bach received formal lessons, his virtuosity was self- taught.

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