JS BACH(1685-1750)

1685-1750

Baroque period, German

Came from a family of
musicians
Played harpsichord, organ
and violin.
Better known as a virtuosic
organist than composer in
his time.

LEIPZIG

Moved here in 1723

Appointed as director of
choir and music, spent the
rest of his life here
Composed lots of choral
work during this period,
such as The Passions

WEIMAR

Court organist
Played and composed for
organ.
His reputation as one of the
greatest German organists
grew during this time. He
was often asked to test new
organs.
Took interest in Italian style
of music, such as Vivaldi
Wrote Book 1 of welltempered clavier

COTHEN

Appointed Kapellmeister at
Prince Leopolds court in
Cothen.
Most of Bachs works were
secular during this period.
Wrote the cello suites,
partitas and sonatas for solo
violins and orchestral suites

Also composed instrumental

work such as the Art of
Fugue, Musical Offering
Taught singing at school,
provide music for the
churches
Wrote Book 2 of welltempered clavier during this
time(1744)

Musial Style

Master of contrapuntal
writing
Influence form French and
Italian music

Family

Married twice
Had 20 children
WF Bach
CPE Bach
JC Bach x2

Other Works

Mass in B minor
Violin concertos
Toccata and fugue in d
minor
French suite

English suites
Goldberg Variations

Brandenburg concertos

Prelude: a short introductory piece

Fugue: a polyphonic composition, with several parts. Based around one
subject, involves imitation throughout the different parts.