Johann Sebastian Bach (March 31, 1685 – July 28, 1750) remains an monumental figure in the history of Western classical music, a German composer and musician whose unparalleled genius illuminated the late Baroque period. Since the fervent 19th-century Bach Revival, he has been universally acclaimed as one of the greatest composers of all time, his vast repertoire encompassing iconic orchestral works like the celebrated Brandenburg Concertos; intricate instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; profound keyboard masterpieces including the Goldberg Variations and The Well-Tempered Clavier; monumental organ works like the Schubler Chorales and the instantly recognizable Toccata and Fugue in D minor; and deeply moving vocal music exemplified by the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born into an already esteemed musical lineage – the Bach family boasted several composers – Johann Sebastian arrived in Eisenach on March 31, 1685 (or March 21 by the Old Style calendar), the youngest child of a city musician. Tragedy struck early when he was orphaned at the tender age of 10. Following this profound loss, he moved to live with his eldest brother, Johann Christoph, for five pivotal years, receiving further musical instruction and guidance that shaped his nascent talent. His formal musical formation continued in Lüneburg, laying the groundwork for the unparalleled career that was to follow.

A Composer's Journey: From Courts to Churches

Early Posts in Thuringia

Bach’s professional journey began in 1703, marking his return to Thuringia where he immersed himself in the region’s vibrant musical life. His early career saw him serving as a gifted musician for Protestant churches in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen. However, it was during longer, more fruitful stretches at the courts of Weimar and Köthen that his artistry truly began to flourish. In Weimar, he significantly expanded his organ repertory, demonstrating a profound mastery of the instrument that would define much of his early fame. Later, at the court in Köthen, he shifted his focus, engaging predominantly with the intimate and intricate world of chamber music, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a composer.

The Influential Years in Leipzig

A pivotal chapter in Bach’s life began in 1723 when he took on the prestigious and demanding role of Thomaskantor – the cantor at St. Thomas Church – in Leipzig. This position entailed composing music not only for the city’s principal Lutheran churches but also for the Collegium Musicum, a university student ensemble. From 1726, he began to publish some of his exquisite keyboard and organ music, sharing his genius more widely with the public. Despite his immense musical output and influence, Bach, like in some of his earlier posts, often faced challenging relationships with his employers in Leipzig. A minor remedy to this came in 1736 when he was granted the honorary title of court composer by his sovereign, Augustus III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. In the final decades of his life, Bach dedicated himself to meticulously reworking and extending many of his earlier compositions, a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection and depth. Tragically, he passed away on July 28, 1750, at the age of 65, due to complications following eye surgery.

Bach's Unmistakable Musical Language

Bach’s genius lay in his ability to profoundly enrich established German musical styles. He achieved this through his unparalleled mastery of counterpoint, his innovative harmonic and motivic organization, and his keen adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures gleaned from abroad, particularly from the rich traditions of Italy and France. His compositional output was staggering, encompassing hundreds of cantatas, both sacred and secular, alongside powerful Latin church music, grand Passions, compelling oratorios, and intricate motets. Bach frequently wove Lutheran hymns into his works, not merely in his expansive vocal compositions but also in more intimate settings like his four-part chorales and sacred songs. He composed prolifically for the organ and other keyboard instruments, creating a vast and challenging repertoire that continues to awe performers today. His concertos, for instruments like the violin and harpsichord, and his suites, designed for both chamber ensembles and full orchestras, exemplify his diverse approach. Many of his works are renowned for their masterful employment of the complex genres of canon and fugue, showcasing his intellectual rigor and boundless creativity.

An Enduring Legacy: The Bach Revival and Beyond

While celebrated during his lifetime, particularly as an exceptional organist, and his keyboard music, such as The Well-Tempered Clavier, appreciated for its didactic qualities, Bach’s true universal recognition blossomed in the 19th century with the fervent Bach Revival. This period saw the publication of major biographies that shed new light on his life and work, and by the close of the century, virtually all of his known music had been meticulously printed. The scholarly exploration of this monumental composer has continued unabated, disseminated through dedicated periodicals (and later, comprehensive websites) exclusively devoted to him, and through essential publications like the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV), a numbered catalogue of his works, and new critical editions of his compositions. His music has transcended its original context, being further popularized through a multitude of arrangements – think of the widely beloved "Air on the G String" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" – and an extensive discography. Landmark recording projects, such as the three different box sets released to mark the 250th anniversary of his death, offering complete performances of his entire oeuvre, underscore his enduring relevance and profound impact on musical history.

It is also worth noting that some of Bach's most renowned orchestral works, such as the Brandenburg Concertos, were notably dedicated to Christian Ludwig (May 24, 1677 – September 3, 1734). Ludwig, a Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt and a military officer in the Prussian Army, held a margravial title common for princes of the Prussian Royal House, signifying status rather than territorial rule, and is today primarily remembered as the esteemed recipient of these timeless compositions.

FAQs: Discovering Johann Sebastian Bach

Who was Johann Sebastian Bach?

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period, widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. He is celebrated for his profound contributions across various genres, from orchestral and instrumental works to keyboard and vocal compositions.

When and where was Bach born and when did he pass away?

Bach was born on March 31, 1685 (or March 21 Old Style) in Eisenach, Germany, and passed away on July 28, 1750, in Leipzig, Germany, at the age of 65.

When did Johann Sebastian Bach begin his professional musical career?

Bach began his professional career in 1703, returning to Thuringia where he worked as a musician for Protestant churches in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, marking the start of his illustrious journey.

What are some of Bach's most famous compositions?

Among his most famous works are the Brandenburg Concertos, Cello Suites, Goldberg Variations, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, St Matthew Passion, and the Mass in B minor.

Why is Bach considered one of the greatest composers?

Bach's greatness stems from his unparalleled mastery of counterpoint, his innovative harmonic and motivic organization, and his ability to synthesize diverse musical traditions. His music is revered for its intellectual depth, emotional power, and technical brilliance, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of composers and shaping the course of Western music.