Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most famous composers of all time - and especially of the Baroque era. He was born in 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. There were over 400 members in the Bach family and at least 60 of whom were musicians.

Johann Sebastian's parents died when he was young - at and 10 years of age, he went to live with his older brother, Christoph and his family. Although, Johann was very talented at his young age, his older brother did not want him to attempt more difficult music before he had perfected simple concepts. So, Christoph would lock up his more difficult pieces in a special cabinet. This did not stop young Johann. At night, he would sneak into his brother's study and take the book of pieces up to his room and copy the music for himself. He did this by the light of the moon! When his brother discovered what he had been doing, he destroyed Johann's copies. But, it made no difference! Johann Sebastian Bach already new every composition by heart!

J.S. Bach (as he is sometimes referred to) grew up and was married. His first wife died, leaving him to raise his young children on his own. He soon married Anna Magdalena. She helped Bach to transcribe many of his pieces. Together, they had 13 children! Johann Sebastian even compiled a book of his pieces and dedicated it to her. It was called, "Notenbuchlein fur Anna Magdalena" (which means "Notebook for Anna Magdalena").

Johann worked for the Duke of Saxe-Weimar as well as Prince Leopold. He worked as an organist for a variety of schools and churches, was a chamber musician, court organist as well as music director of the city of Leipzig. He composed for many instruments. Amazingly, Bach composed his music while working full time!

Here is a picture of Johann Sebastian Bach with some of his children. As well, I've included a link to the "Internet Public Library" sight that tells a more complete story of Bach's life and includes AUDIO CLIPS so that you can listen to some of his work! Enjoy!

www.ipl.org/div/mushist/bar/bach.htm