Johann Sebastian Bach

Born: March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany

Died: July 28, 1750, in Leipzig, Germany

Studied: with his father, Johann Ambrosius, who taught him the violin and trumpet and with Johann Pachelbel

Assignments: 1700: chorister at the Michaelis monastery in Lüneberg; 1703–07: organist at the Neuekirche in Arnstadt; 1708: court organist and orchestra leader for the Duke of Sachsen-Weimar; 1717: Kapell-meister at Cöthen; 1723: Kantor at the Thomas School in Leipzig

Best known for: Das Wohltempierte Klavier, a collection of 48 fugues and preludes which essentially standardized the practice of equally tempering keyboard instruments. J.S. Bach is also widely known for his works for unaccompanied violin and cello, his concerti, cantatas, and oratorios, among others.

Notable compositions: Well-tempered Clavier, 1722; Easter Oratorio, 1725; St. Matthew Passion, 1727; Christmas Oratorio, 1734–35; Jesu, meine Freude, 1735; Completion of the Mass in B minor, 1748–49

Quote: “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” — J.S. Bach

Master Chorale concerts

Mass in B Minor
Sunday, March 9, 2008