Transcript Johann Sebastian Bach

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
1685-1750
BACH – GREATEST COMPOSER OF ALL TIME?
German Composer of the Baroque period
 Many people consider Bach’s birth and death dates as the beginning and end of the Baroque period.
 Other composers of this period: Vivaldi and Handel
Was a master harpsichord (early piano) and organ player.
Developed the standard in which melodic and harmonic structure of music was
composed during that time and today.
Wrote around 1,128 pieces that are preserved today.
 Some scholars think he may have composed over 10,000 pieces.
Was NOT popular in his lifetime; his children were more famous in their lifetime.
 It wasn’t until another composer, Felix Mendelssohn, discovered his genius in the early 1800’s, that Bach
became known as the genius he’s known as today.
BACH’S LIFE
Born in Eisenach, Germany on March 21st, 1685. His parents died when he was 10,
so Johann lived with older brother, who was an organist.
His uncles were also professional musicians, and his family was well established in the
music community.
First job was a court musician for Duke Johann Ernst III in Weimar, Germany.
However, Bach was dissatisfied with the level of the choir, and he didn’t get along
with his employer, so he left 7 months later.
He married his second cousin, Maria, in 1706. They had 7 children, 4 of which lived
past their first birthday.
Bach returned to Weimar in another position, but eventually wanted to leave again.
He made such a point of it that he was actually put in jail for a month because of his
stubbornness.
BACH’S LIFE CONTINUED
Bach’s wife died in 1720. He remarried in 1721 to Anna Magdalena, who was 16
years younger than him. They had 13 children together, 6 of whom lived to
adulthood.
Three of his children, Carl Philipp Emanuel, Johann Christoph Friedrich, and Johann
Christian, became extremely popular musicians and composers (even more famous
than their father at the time).
Bach relocated to Leipzig, Germany in 1723, where he remained for the rest of his
life.
Bach died in 1750, at the age of 65, most likely of a stroke caused by deteriorating
health.
His estate included 8 harpsichords, 3 violins, 3 violas, 2 cellos, 1 viola da gamba, and
1 lute.
BACH BASICS
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Fugue in G minor
BACH BASICS CONT.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Air on a G String
BACH BASICS CONT.
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major - Prelude
BACH BASICS CONT.
Mass in B minor - Gloria
Magnificat – Magnificat anima mea
BACH BASICS CONT.
Invention No. 4 in D minor
Minuet in G Major