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