Johann Sebastian Bach

Q: What is Bach's most famous piece?

Johann Sebastian Bach's most famous piece is perhaps 'Air on the G String', a work adapted from a section of his third orchestral suite.

Q: Why was Bach so famous?

Johann Sebastian Bach was famous for his organ playing in churches in Germany, notably in Leipzig. As a composer, he is today regarded as one of the finest exponents of baroque music.

Q: What caused Bach's death?

Johann Sebastian Bach died of a stroke on 28 July 1750.

Q: Why is Bach considered one of the great composers?

Johann Sebastian Bach is regarded as one of the great composers because of his innovative compositions, which include cantatas, fugues, and concertos of baroque music. Particularly associated with music for keyboard instruments like the organ and harpsichord, Bach was hugely influential on many later composers.

Mark Cartwright

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Definition

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German organist and composer whose work is today regarded as amongst the finest of mature baroque music (c. 1600-1750). More famous as an organist than as a composer in his own lifetime, Bach's rich legacy encompasses sacred and secular works, notably cantatas, organ pieces, and concertos which influenced many later composers.

More about: Johann Sebastian Bach

Timeline

1685 - 1750
Life of the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
21 Mar 1685
Johann Sebastian Bach is born in Eisenach in Thuringia, central Germany.
1700
Johann Sebastian Bach studies in Lüneburg at St. Michael’s school.
Aug 1703
Johann Sebastian Bach is appointed the official organ player of the New Church in Arnstadt.
Jun 1707
Johann Sebastian Bach moves to Mühlhausen.
Oct 1707
Johann Sebastian Bach marries his second cousin Maria Barbara Bach.
1708 - 1717
Johann Sebastian Bach works at the Weimar court.
1714
Johann Sebastian Bach is promoted to Konzertmeister at the Weimar court.
1718
Johann Sebastian Bach works for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen.
1721
Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos are first performed.
24 Mar 1721
Composer Johann Sebastian Bach dedicates his six concertos to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, now known as the famous Brandenburg Concertos.
Dec 1721
Johann Sebastian Bach marries his second wife the court singer Anna Magdalena Wilcken.
1722
Volume one of Johann Sebastian Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier is published.
1723
Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat in E Flat is first performed.
May 1723
Johann Sebastian Bach is appointed the choirmaster, organist and teacher of the Thomaskirche (Saint Thomas’ Church) in Leipzig.
1724
Johann Sebastian Bach's Saint John Passion is first performed.
7 Apr 1724
Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion premieres on Good Friday during the vesper service at St. Nicholas Church, Leipzig, Germany as part of the Good Friday liturgy.
1729
Johann Sebastian Bach's Saint Matthew Passion is first performed.
1736
Johann Sebastian Bach is appointed the Royal Court Composer to the King of Saxony.
1742
Volume two of Johann Sebastian Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier is published.
1749
Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor is first performed.
1750
Johann Sebastian Bach's The Art of Fugue is published.
28 Jul 1759
The composer Johann Sebastian Bach dies of a stroke in Leipzig.