Johann Sebastian Bach was born 329 years ago (March 31, 1685) today. Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist and violinist of the Baroque period. He enriched many established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organization, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bachs compositions include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the The Well-Tempered Clavier, his cantatas, chorales, partitas, Passions and organ works. His music is revered for its intellectual depth, technical command and artistic beauty. Bach was born in Eisenach, Saxe-Eisenach, into a very musical family; his father, Johann Ambrosius Bach was the director of the town musicians, and all of his uncles were professional musicians. His father taught him to play violin and harpsichord, and his brother, Johann Christoph Bach, taught him the clavichord and exposed him to much contemporary music. Bach also went to St Michaels School in Lüneburg because of his singing skills. After graduating, he held several musical posts across Germany: he served as Kapellmeister (director of music) to Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, Cantor of Thomasschule in Leipzig and Royal Court Composer to August III. Bachs health and vision declined in 1749, and he died at age 65 on July 28, 1750. Modern historians believe that his death was caused by a combination of stroke and pneumonia. Bachs abilities as an organist were highly respected throughout Europe during his lifetime, although he was not widely recognized as a great composer until a revival of interest and performances of his music in the first half of the 19th century. He is now generally regarded as one of the main composers of the Baroque period, and as one of the greatest composers of all time.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:00:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015