Biography and Chief Works of Johann Sebastian Bach

1685.

Bom at Eisenach in Thuringia, youngest child of a professional musician, one of an outstandingly musical family, 38 of whom are mentioned in Grove's dictionary.
Both parents died when he was 9. Eldest brother (also a musician) then housed him and taught him the Clavier. Spent six months copying a forbidden MS. by candlelight. Copy confiscated when discovered.

1700.

Left his brother to become paid chorister at Lüneberg, 200 miles away. While there made several visits on foot to Hamburg, 30 miles away, to hear famous organist. Also went to hear French chamber music.
Began to compose.

1703.

After a short period as a violinist in Weimar's court orchestra, was appointed organist at Arnstadt. Got leave of absence to visit Lübeck, to hear the famous organist Buxtehude, and probably had lessons from him. Great stimulus to organ composition.
Reprimanded on his return for staying too long, for playing elaborate music in the Arnstadt.services and for allowing a female cousin (whom he married a year later) to sing in the church.

1707.

Post as organist at Mühlhausen. Religious dissensions made post difficult.

1708-1717.

First important post, at Weimar-the Weimar period. Court organist to Duke, and later concertmaster. Wrote much fine organ music, and became famous as organist. Also composed cantatas.

1717-1723.

The Cöthen period.
Conductor of court orchestra.
Therefore wrote mainly instrumental chamber and orchestral works: Brandenburg concertos; orchestral suites; English and French Clavier suites; first half of "48" intended for his children's education, etc. First wife died in 1720, while Bach was away from home. The following year married Anna Magdalena and eventually had 20 children. Attempted to meet Handel, but never managed it.

1723-1750.

The Leipzig period. Cantor and teacher at St Thomas's choir school, which supplied the music for the town's four churches. Two churches had elaborate choral music with orchestral accompaniment, cantatas being performed at each on alternate Sundays. Involved in controversies with the University, the Town Council and the Headmasters of the choir school (called Rectors). Wrote many cantatas, the B minor mass, the St Matthew Passion, the second book of the ‘48'. Happy home life, surrounded by musical children, several of whom became famous.

1747.

Visited court of Frederick the Great, where his son, Carl Philipp Emanuel, was in the King's service. Tried the king's new pianos, and amazed him by his powers of improvisation.

1749.

Began to lose eyesight, as a result of copying so much music throughout his life. After operation lost it completely.

1750.

Died.

A devout Christian, who thought of music as primarily for the service of God. Gave great care to every detail. A great contrapuntist, whose works reveal new beauties every time they are heard afresh. Melodies less "vocal" than Handel’s. Wrote all types of music except opera, which was too superficial to interest him. Already considered old-fashioned by the time he died, as a new, less contrapuntal style was coming into being.

But Bach's music does not age. Its strength, vigor and freshness has continued to appeal to musicians and music lovers of all ages.

Many sacred choral works, including 5 sets of cantatas for every Sunday and holy day in the year. Over 200 extant. 4(?) Passions ('St Matthew' the greatest). 'Christmas Oratorio', ‘Mass in B minor', 6 motets in German.

27 secular cantatas, including 'Peasant Cantata', 'Coffee and Cupid'.

Organ music:

fantasias; toccatas, including ’Toccata and Fugue in D minor'; preludes and fugues, including 'St Anne Fugue'; choral preludes.

Clavier music:

'The well-tempered Clavier' (the '48'); 6 partitas; 6 French suites; 6 English suites; 2 and 3-part Inventions. Other miscellaneous works, such as 'Italian Concerto'.

'The Art of Fugue' was written in open score, but was probably intended to be played on a keyboard instrument.

Orchestral music:

'Brandenburg' concertos (see p. 12 for details); concertos for violin, etc., including double violin concerto, concertos for 1-4 harpsichords; orchestral suites.

Chamber music:

solo suites for violin and 'cello: trios, etc.