Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Ambrosius Bach

Arnstadt Bachkirche Wender-Orgel

Leipzig Paulinerkirche Scheibe-Orgel um 1720

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File:Sonata in in G m J.S.Bach (1 mov prelude).ogg]]|Sonata in in G m J.S.Bach (1 mov prelude).ogg]]]]|thumb]] Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685 – 28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. He is known for instrumental compositions such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Goldberg Variations as well as vocal music such as the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor. Since the 19th-century Bach Revival, he has been generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.

Life

Early years

Bach was born in Eisenach, in the duchy of Saxe-Eisenach, into an extensive musical family. His father, Johann Ambrosius Bach, was the director of the town musicians, and all of his uncles were professional musicians. Bach was introduced to the organ by his uncle, Johann Christoph Bach. After his father's death in 1695, Bach moved to Ohrdruf, where he lived and studied organ with his brother Johann Christoph.

Career

Bach's first significant job was as a court musician in Weimar, where he was able to develop his skills in composing keyboard and orchestral works. In 1717, he moved to Köthen to serve as Kapellmeister. It was here that Bach composed much of his chamber music, including the Brandenburg Concertos. In 1723, Bach was appointed Cantor of the Thomasschule at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, a position he held until his death. During his Leipzig period, he composed many of his best-known church and choral works.

Music

Bach's compositions include hundreds of cantatas, both sacred and secular. He wrote extensively for organ and other keyboard instruments. He also composed for the orchestra and for chamber ensembles. Bach's music is admired for its intellectual depth, technical command, and artistic beauty.

Influence

Bach's influence extends beyond the Baroque period into the classical and romantic eras. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Johannes Brahms have expressed admiration for his work. His music is revered for its technical command, artistic beauty, and intellectual depth.

Legacy

Bach's legacy includes not only his music but also his contributions to musical education, notably through his students and his children, many of whom became significant musicians in their own right. His works continue to be performed and recorded, and he is regarded as one of the pillars of Western classical music.