J. S. BACH

J.S. Bach was born in 1685, the youngest son of the town musician. His father probably taught him violin and music theory. He was orphaned when he was ten and went to live with his older brother who gave him lessons in organ playing. As a young man, he was eventually hired as an organist and chamber musician for the Duke of Saxe-Weimar. He eventually became known as a leading organist and composer for that instrument.

Bach soon was hired by Prince Leopold, who was also a talented musician. Because he had no chapel duties, Bach was able to concentrate on his instrumental composition. During this period Bach wrote his violin concerts, the Brandenburg Concertos, numerous sonatas, suites and keyboard works.

Next, Bach accepted the post of Director of Music in Leipzig, where he remained for the rest of his life. His duties centered on the Sunday and feastday services at the city’s two main churches, for which he composed large quantities of music. He was in constant demand as an organist and as an organ teacher, as well as an expert in organ construction and design.

Bach’s eyesight began to deteriorate during his last year and he was twice operated on by an English doctor. The operations and the treatment that followed may have hastened Bach’s death. He died in 1750.