The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer. He was born in 1685 at Eisenach and died in 1750. Being the son of a musician he was early trained in the art, and soon distinguished himself. In 1703 he was engaged as a player at the court of Weimar, and subsequently he was musical director to the Duke of Anhalt-Kothen, and latterly held an appointment at Leipzig. He paid a visit to Potsdam on the invitation of Frederick the Great. As a player on the harpsichord and organ he had no equal among his contemporaries; but it was not until a century after his death that his greatness as a composer was fully recognized. His compositions breathe an original inspiration, and are largely of the religious kind. They include pieces, vocal and instrumental, for the organ, piano, stringed and keyed instruments; church cantatas, oratorios, masses, passion music, etc. More than fifty musical performers have proceeded from this family. Sebastian himself had eleven sons, all distinguished as musicians. Among his compositions are St Matthew Passion and The Well-Tempered Clavier.
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