Bach: A Brief Biography

Bach was born in the present day Germany in the capital of duchy of Saxe-Eisenach on March 21, 1685. His mother had eight other children and taught him music theory and how to play the violin at a very young age. Many of his family members were professional musicians including Johann Christoph Bach, his uncle, and Johann Ludwig Bach, his cousin. At the age of ten his parents died so he lived with his oldest brother who played the organ. He studies and performed music with his brother while living with him and even copied some of his music. His brother also taught him to play the clavichord, which is a stringed keyboard instrument from Europe. He was exposed to composers such as Johann Pachelbel, Jean-Baptiste Lully, Louis Marchand, and Marin Marias. By 1700 Bach attended St. Michael’s School in Luneburg, which was considered to be a prestigious school. There he played the three-manual organ and harpsichords while also singing in the choir. While at school Back frequented St. John’s Church where he had access to one of the most famous organs in history. He also took trips during this time to watch Johann Adam Reincken, another famous organist.

As Bach …show more content…
After this he started to gain reputation as one of the greatest composers of all time. In the 20th century classical performers and composer’s started paying tribute to Bach with their own work. For many years after his death Bach wasn’t really known for being a composer but was known for his skill on the organ and his teaching. That has certainly changed over the centuries as Bach is now mostly known for his compositions. Some of Bach’s most famous works include The Brandenburg Concertos, The 48 Preludes and fugues "Well Tempered Klavier", The Goldberg Variations, The Concerto for Two Violins, The B minor, Mass, The St Matthew Passion, and The 6 solo cello