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Sebastian Bach Biography

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Johann Sebastian Bach once said, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” It is known that Bach is classified as a musical genius who served the Lord, but how did his music influence later musicians? His prodigious talents discovered during his early childhood brought him much success throughout the Baroque Era allowing him to write over one thousand compositions. An exploration of his youth, his trials and struggles, and writing techniques will help outsiders gain a better understanding of the magnificent mind of J.S. Bach. On March 21, 1685, the legendary Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany. The Bach family was one of several traditional families of …show more content…

He was thrilled to have his own large organ of two manuals and twenty-three speaking stops (Sartorius). Bach was responsible for providing music for all religious services and special events that occurred at the church. However, the congregation was bewildered by Sebastian’s style of writing. His “surprising variations and irrelevant ornaments which obliterate the melody and confuse the congregation” raised concern within the Church Council. He also broke his contract when he refused to work any longer with the choir boys. The Council reprimanded him for his actions, but Bach, being the arrogant young man he is, did not care. He saw the Council as a group of narrow-minded gentlemen, which prompted arguments. These disputes caused him to look elsewhere for …show more content…

Prince Leopold was the son of a Calvinist, which was the enemy of the Lutherans, so no sacred music was written in Cöthen. However, Bach devoted much of his time to instrumental music. He composed concertos for orchestras, dance suites, and secular sonatas for various instruments. While traveling with the Prince on one of his extensive journeys, Bach’s wife, Maria Barbra had died. Anna Magdalena Wicke, a singer for the court, helped take care of Bach’s children after their mother passed (Wolff). She and Johann Sebastian married in December of 1721. Together, they had thirteen children, so once more, Bach decided to look for another position that would support him and his

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