Facts about Johann Sebastian Bach:
- Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany in 1685
- He died in Leipzig, Germany in 1750
- Bach wrote over 1,200 compositions during his life
- Bach played many instruments including violin, viola, cello, harpsichord, and organ
- Bach made his living as a teacher, court composer and musician, and church organist
- When Bach was 10 years old, his parents died and he was sent to live with his older brother
- Bach was married twice. His second wife was Anna Magdelena, who was an accomplished singer and keyboard player.
- Bach had twenty children, but only ten of them survived past childhood.
- Bach had difficulty with employers and was once thrown in jail for a month after arguing with the Duke he worked for. He wrote 40 compositions while he was in jail.
- Bach is so highly regarded that an entire musical era-the Baroque-is said to end with his death in 1750.
Please watch and listen to the following selections:
J.S. Bach: Organ Toccata and Fugue in d minor
J.S. Bach: Brandenberg Concert No. 5
