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Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750
In Concert
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician who is generally regarded by many, as one of the greatest composers of all time.
A Look at his Life
Bach was born on March 31, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. He was the eighth and last child in a famous musical family. His father taught him to play the violin and harpsichord. Bach's mother and father both died 8 months apart when Bach was only 10 years old. He went to live with his brother, a well-known musician, who had a large influence upon him.
He had to bring forth his genius, and cultivate it and keep it encouraged and alive through his own efforts.
Flower A. Newhouse, Why I Believe in Reincarnation
Bach studied at the much respected St. Michael's School in Luneburg.
As a teenager Bach was studious, teachable and well disciplined. In 1703 Bach became the organist at the New Church in Arnstadt, southwest of Weimar. He was very demanding and sometimes unpopular. Without telling his employer, he stayed away from his job for four months in order to journey 280 miles on foot to visit the organist/composer, Dieterich Buxtehude in Lubeck.
In 1706 Bach became organist and choir director at the Blasius Church in Muhlhausen. Four months later he married his second cousin, Maria Barbara Bach. Over the years seven children were born in the family.