German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist
1685 CE
to 1750 CE
Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S.
21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) is a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque Period.
He enriches many established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organization, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France.
Bach writes much music, which is revered for its intellectual depth, technical command, and artistic beauty.
Many of his works are still known today, such as the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the Well-Tempered Clavier, and his cantatas, chorales, partitas, passions, and organ works.
Bach was born in Eisenach, Saxe-Eisenach into a very musical family; his father, Johann Ambrosius Bach is the director of the town's musicians, and all of his uncles are professional musicians.
His father teaches him to play violin and harpsichord, and his brother, Johann Christoph Bach, teaches him the clavichord, and exposes him to much contemporary music.
Bach also sings, and he goes to the St. Michael's School in Lüneburg, because of his skill in voice.
After graduating, he holds several musical posts across Germany; he serves as Kapellmeister (director of music) to Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, Cantor of Thomasschule in Leipzig, and Royal Court Composer to August III.
Bach's health and vision decline in 1749, and he dies on 28 July 1750.
Modern historians believe that his death was caused by a combination of stroke and pneumonia.
ach's abilities as an organist were highly respected throughout Europe during his lifetime, although he was not widely recognized as a great composer until a revival of interest and performances of his music in the first half of the 19th century.
He is now generally regarded as one of the main composers of the Baroque period, and as one of the greatest composers of all time.
