JS Bach, Leipzig

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) was a German composer and organist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity.[1]

Although he introduced no new forms, he enriched the prevailing German style with a robust contrapuntal technique, an unrivalled control of harmonic and motivic organisation in composition for diverse instrumentation, and the adaptation of rhythms and textures from abroad, particularly Italy and France, says Wikipedia.

While Bach's fame as an organist was great during his lifetime, he was not particularly well-known as a composer. His adherence to Baroque forms and contrapuntal style was considered "old-fashioned" by his contemporaries, especially late in his career when the musical fashion tended towards Rococo and later Classical styles.

A revival of interest and performances of his music began early in the 19th century, and he is now widely considered to be one of the greatest composers in the Western tradition.

Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin were among his most prominent admirers.

He fathered 20 children by 2 wives. Was a devout Lutheran. Worked longest in the city of Leipzig.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor has been enormously popular and has been used frequently by rock musicians. His work called Air on a G String (really) is very widely known and used in much media. His solo work for cello is a favorite of your teacher. The Brandenberg Concertos are widely regarded as among the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era.

During his life he composed more than 1,000 works.


Bach died in 1750 at the age of 65. A contemporary newspaper reported the cause of death was "from the unhappy consequences of the very unsuccessful eye operation".[14] Some modern historians speculate the cause of death was a stroke complicated by pneumonia.