Johann Sebastian Bach 1685-1750

Bach – Greatest Composer of all time? German Composer of the Baroque period Many people consider Bach’s birth and death dates as the beginning and end of the Baroque period. Other composers of this period: Vivaldi and Handel Was a master harpsichord (early piano) and organ player. Developed the standard in which melodic and harmonic structure of music was composed during that time and today. Wrote around 1,128 pieces that are preserved today. Some scholars think he may have composed over 10,000 pieces. Was NOT popular in his lifetime; his children were more famous in their lifetime. It wasn’t until another composer, Felix Mendelssohn, discovered his genius in the early 1800’s, that Bach became known as the genius he’s known as today.

Bach’s Life Born in Eisenach, Germany on March 21st, 1685. His parents died when he was 10, so Johann lived with older brother, who was an organist. His uncles were also professional musicians, and his family was well established in the music community. First job was a court musician for Duke Johann Ernst III in Weimar, Germany. However, Bach was dissatisfied with the level of the choir, and he didn’t get along with his employer, so he left 7 months later. He married his second cousin, Maria, in 1706. They had 7 children, 4 of which lived past their first birthday. Bach returned to Weimar in another position, but eventually wanted to leave again. He made such a point of it that he was actually put in jail for a month because of his stubbornness.

Bach’s Life Continued Bach’s wife died in 1720. He remarried in 1721 to Anna Magdalena, who was 16 years younger than him. They had 13 children together, 6 of whom lived to adulthood. Three of his children, Carl Philipp Emanuel, Johann Christoph Friedrich, and Johann Christian, became extremely popular musicians and composers (even more famous than their father at the time). Bach relocated to Leipzig, Germany in 1723, where he remained for the rest of his life. Bach died in 1750, at the age of 65, most likely of a stroke caused by deteriorating health. His estate included 8 harpsichords, 3 violins, 3 violas, 2 cellos, 1 viola da gamba, and 1 lute.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor Bach Basics Toccata and Fugue in D minor Fugue in G minor

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach Basics Cont. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Air on a G String

Bach Basics Cont. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major - Prelude

Magnificat – Magnificat anima mea Bach Basics Cont. Mass in B minor - Gloria Magnificat – Magnificat anima mea

Bach Basics Cont. Invention No. 4 in D minor Minuet in G Major