Johann Sebastian Bach: Biography and Legacy

Johann Sebastian Bach's Biography

• Born in 1685, Eisenach, Germany
• Youngest of eight children
• Father was a town musician
• Moved in with older brother (organist) at age 10
• Became organist at age 18
• Married cousin Maria at age 22
• Became chapel master in Anhalt-Cöthen at age 32
• Had 7 children with first wife
• Married Anna Wilcke at age 38
• Died at age 65
• Moved to Leipzig (St. Thomas Church) at age 38
• Became director of Collegium Musicum
• Performed concerts in coffee house
• Lost vision at age 65
• Died after stroke, buried in St. Thomas's
• His music was not initially well-known in his lifetime; recognised in 1829

Bach's Influences

• Frescobaldi (1583-1643): Italian composer
• Pachelbel (1653-1706): German composer (taught Bach's brother)
• Developed organ music

Bach's Legacy

• Thought of as ordinary musician during his lifetime
• Mendelssohn performed his St. Matthew Passion (1829)
• Became very well-known.
• "All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself."
• Father to 20 children
• 5 children named Johann, 2 Johanna
• 4 sons became musicians/composers
• His family became known for being musicians in the area; "Bach" became a word for musician in the area(s)