Johann Sebastian Bach German composer, virtuoso organist, music teacher. Date of Birth: 31.03.1685 Country: Germany

1. The Prodigal Son of a Musical Dynasty
2. Early Childhood and the Loss of Parents
3. The Blind Scholar and the Walking Pilgrimage
4. Early Professional Career and the Path to Weimar
5. The Köthen Miracle and the "Well-Tempered Clavier"
6. The Dresden Fiasco and the Second Marriage
7. The Leipzig Years and the Vocal Masterpieces
8. Court Intrigue and the Berlin Visit
9. Final Years and the Loss of Sight
10. Legacy and Musical Immortality

The Prodigal Son of a Musical Dynasty

Johann Sebastian Bach, born on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany, hailed from a remarkable musical lineage considered the most prominent in German history. Notably, his great-grandfather Veit Bach, a baker, played the zither, while his great-uncle Johannes Bach was a city musician in Erfurt.

Early Childhood and the Loss of Parents

Growing up in a family of musicians, Bach began his musical education at an early age. In 1693, he entered church school, where he excelled in singing as a soprano. However, tragedy struck in 1695 when he lost both of his parents. Bach was subsequently taken in by his older brother, a musician in Ohrdruf.

The Blind Scholar and the Walking Pilgrimage

During his time in Ohrdruf, Bach suffered a severe loss of eyesight as a teenager. Undeterred, he continued his musical pursuits, staying up late at night to copy music by moonlight. His schoolteacher recommended he travel to Lüneburg to attend the renowned school at St. Michael's Church. Bach embarked on a 300-kilometer walk from Central Germany to Northern Germany, and in Lüneburg, he received a scholarship and honed his skills under the tutelage of master organist Georg Böhm.

Early Professional Career and the Path to Weimar

After graduating, Bach's financial circumstances prevented him from pursuing university studies. He spent some time in Lüneburg before returning to Thuringia, where he briefly served as a violinist in Prince Johann Ernst of Saxony's private chapel. Subsequently, Bach settled in Arnstadt, where he worked as a church organist from 1703 to 1707.

In 1707, Bach moved to Mühlhausen as an organist at St. Blasius Church. There, he composed cantatas and supplemented his income by repairing organs. The same year, he married his cousin, Maria Barbara, who bore him seven children.

Bach's career took a significant turn in 1708 when he became the court organist and composer in Weimar. This period marked the beginning of his compositional prowess, with numerous organ and harpsichord pieces emerging.

The Köthen Miracle and the "Well-Tempered Clavier"

From 1717 to 1723, Bach served as court Kapellmeister to Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen. His duties included accompanying the prince's singing and playing the harpsichord and viol da gamba, as well as directing a chapel of 18 musicians. It was in Köthen that Bach composed his seminal work, "The Well-Tempered Clavier" (Book 1), along with sonatas, suites for solo violin and cello, and the six Brandenburg Concertos.

The Dresden Fiasco and the Second Marriage

Bach's appointment in Köthen followed a dramatic incident in Dresden, where the "world star" Louis Marchand was set to perform. Bach and Marchand met and played together, but Marchand abruptly left Dresden, recognizing Bach's superior musicianship.

In 1720, Maria Barbara passed away, leaving Bach a widower. The following year, he married Anna Magdalena Wilcken, a singer and daughter of a court musician. Anna Magdalena proved to be a supportive partner, aiding her husband in copying his works.

The Leipzig Years and the Vocal Masterpieces

In 1722, Bach accepted the position of cantor at St. Thomas School in Leipzig. He assumed the role of music director and cantor of the church choir in 1723. While his responsibilities as a teacher were burdensome, Bach produced some of his most monumental works during this period.

In Leipzig, Bach composed the "St. Matthew Passion," the "St. John Passion," the "Mass in B Minor," the "Magnificat," and the "Christmas Oratorio." However, his works often drew the ire of his superiors, who deemed them overly elaborate for liturgical use.

Court Intrigue and the Berlin Visit

In 1740, Bach effectively left his official duties and devoted himself to personal composition. He attempted to publish some of his works and embarked on a journey to Berlin in 1747.

Bach's son, Philipp Emanuel, was employed by Frederick the Great. He arranged for his father to perform at the royal court, where Bach improvised on a theme given to him by the king. Upon returning to Leipzig, Bach based his "Musical Offering" on this improvisation, dedicating it to Frederick II.

Final Years and the Loss of Sight

In his later years, Bach's eyesight deteriorated due to the strain he had endured in his youth. He underwent an eye operation shortly before his death, but it only resulted in complete blindness. Despite this setback, Bach continued composing, dictating his works to others.

Legacy and Musical Immortality

Johann Sebastian Bach passed away on July 28, 1750, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. His compositional genius encompassed a vast repertoire of instrumental and vocal works, including some of the most revered masterpieces of Western classical music. Bach's legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time remains unchallenged to this day.