Johann Sebastian Bach (b. 1685-d.1750)

One of the most prolific composers of all time, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) wrote music for nearly every genre that existed during his lifetime. Much of his work was written to fulfill the requirements of three positions: court organist at Weimar (1708–1717), director of music for Prince Leopold of Anhalt (1717–1723), and cantor of St. Thomas Church and director of music for the city of Leipzig (1723–1750).

By all accounts, Bach was a dazzlingly gifted organist. Less well-known is the fact that he won a singing scholarship to the Michaeliskirche in Lüneburg in March 1700.

Bach’s incredible output includes a vast array of music for organ and for clavier, including the two volumes of the Well-Tempered Clavier; over 300 cantatas; the Mass in b minor; the Magnificat; the Passions; six Brandenburg Concerti; sonatas for solo instruments; and such works as “The Musical Offering” and “The Art of the Fugue,” among many others.

Bach was deeply religious, and his ideal was to dedicate himself to the service of God. Four of his sons also became composers.