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Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer. He is considered one of the most importat composers of the baroque period.
He was born in Eisenach (Germany) -
Early times
At the age of 14, Bach, along with his older school friend George Erdmann, was awarded a choral scholarship to study at the prestigious St. Michael's School in Lüneburg -
Bach´professional development
In 1708, Bach left Mühlhausen, returning to Weimar this time as organist and from 1714 "Konzertmeister", director of music, at the ducal court, where he had an opportunity to work with a large, well-funded contingent of professional musicians -
Bach's musical development in the court
Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen hired Bach to serve as his Kapellmeister (director of music) in 1717. Prince Leopold, himself a musician, appreciated Bach's talents, paid him well, and gave him considerable latitude in composing and performing. -
Bach's major musical pieces
In 1723, Bach was appointed Cantor of the Thomasschule at Thomaskirche in Leipzig, and Director of Music in the principal churches in the town, namely the Nikolaikirche and the Paulinerkirche, the church of the University of Leipzig -
Bach´s life time
Bach was appointed as court musician in the chapel of Duke Johann Ernst in Weimar -
B minor Mass
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Musical offering
In 1747, Bach visited the court of King Frederick II of Prussia at Potsdam. The king played a theme for Bach and challenged him to improvise a fugue based on his theme. Bach improvised a three-part fugue on one of Frederick's fortepianoss, then a novelty, and later presented the king with a Musical Offering which consists of fugues, canons and a trio based on this theme. Its six-part fugue includes a slightly altered subject more suitable for extensive elaboration. -
Bach's last days
Bach's health declined in 1749 -
Bach's life time
Bach's abilities as an organist were highly respected throughout Europe during his lifetime.
