Transcript Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach’s birth
Johann Bach was born on March 21st 1685 in Eisenach,
Germany. He was the son of Johann Ambrosius & Maria
Elizabeth. His father was the town musician. Bach came
from a long line of composers. They were also devoutly
Lutheran. Bach received violin lessons from his dad. He
had a beautiful voice & sang in church.
 In 1694 his mother & father died within 2 months of
each other. At age 10, Johann moved to Ohrdruf,
Germany, to live with his brother, who was the
organist at a church. From him Johann Sebastian
received his first instruction on the keyboard.
 In 1700s Bach was awarded a scholarship for his fine
voice at St. Michael’s school in Luneburg.
 He traveled to Hamburg, Germany to hear other
musician often.
Childhood
Organ Skill….
In 1703, Bach was hired at a church in Arnstad,
Germany. It gave him time to practice his favorite
instrument and develop his skills. In 1705 Bach
obtained a month’s leave to visit a church in Lubeck,
Germany. He was impressed with the organist there
that he stayed for another 4 months, without telling
the church in Arnstad. He came back composing long
organ preludes.
Organ Skills
continued
In 1707, Bach was appointed organist at a church in
Germany. Later that year Bach married Maria Barbara
Bach his own cousin. He want to present the church
with what he called “well-ordered church music.” The
pastor liked the music to be both mass and simple. The
brilliant Cantata No. 71, Gott ist mein Konig was
written for the service.
Johann arrived in Weimer, Germany in 1708 as court organist to
Duke Ernst. His salary was doubled and allowed him to work in
stricter Lutheran environment. Years 1708 to 1710 saw large
amounts of original organ music by Bach. In 1716 he became upset
when he was not offered the opportunity o replace the duke’s
court conductor. The same time Prince Leopold of Cothen, heard
Bach and offered him a position. Bach requested his release to
go to Cöthen, Duke Wilhelm refused to accept such short
notice. Bach became so angry he was placed under arrest.
Working for Royalty
In Cothen Bach’s prime responsibly was to conduct
the court orchestra. In 1720 his wife died leaving
him a widower with 7 children. Late 1721 he married
Anna Magdalena Wulken a 21 year old singer.
During the next 20 year her and Bach had 13 more
children. The Leipzig was reluctant to hire Bach
because he was a organist and not a composer.
Prime Life!!!!
Bach produced his greatest instrumental works during the Cöthen
period. The other Cöthen musicians were all skilled performers, and
their talent inspired Bach to write special music for them. Bach also
wrote his major orchestral works during this period. He wrote many
of his keyboard works for the instruction of his own children. After
prince Leopold got married he had less time for music so the
orchestra had less to do.
This decrease in importance, plus Bach's concern over his children's
education, led him to look for another position in a strong Lutheran
area. In 1723 he was named cantor (choir leader) of Leipzig, Germany,
to replace the deceased Johann Kuhnau.
Prime Life
continued
Later years!
During his final year Bach was starting to lose his eye sight. He
was completely blind his last year of life. Few days before his
death he read part of the hymn Vor deinen Thron tret’ ich
allhier for his son in law to write down. With a high fever and a
stroke, Bach died on July 28th, 1750.