Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a German composer and musician of the Baroque era. Born in Eisenach into a deeply musical family, he received his early training from relatives and went on to hold posts in Arnstadt, Weimar, Köthen, and Leipzig. In 1723 he became Thomaskantor, directing music for the St. Thomas Church and the university in Leipzig, a position he held until his death. Bach composed for organ, keyboard, chamber ensembles, and large choral works, many written for church services. His output includes cantatas, passions, motets, concertos, and instrumental suites, reflecting a synthesis of German polyphony, Italian concertato style, and French keyboard gestures.

Among his best-known works are the Brandenburg Concertos, the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Mass in B minor, the St. Matthew and St. John Passions, the Christmas Oratorio, and numerous organ and keyboard pieces such as the Toccata and Fugue in D minor and the Italian Concerto. Bach also wrote a vast collection of cantatas and chorale preludes that were central to Lutheran worship. His music is characterized by intricate counterpoint, expressive melodic lines, vivid ritornello structures, and a rich harmonic language that supported textual meaning and emotional nuance.

Although little performed outside Germany during his lifetime, Bach's reputation grew in the 19th century, aided by the Bach revival led by Felix Mendelssohn. Today his music is widely regarded as central to the Baroque repertoire, influencing generations of composers, performers, and scholars. Bach's work is studied for its technical mastery and spiritual depth, and it remains a touchstone for the exploration of counterpoint, form, and orchestration in Western art music.