Johann Sebastian Bach

Musician

Date Born: March 31, 1685

Date Died: July 28, 1750

Birth Country: Germany

Fun Facts

Orphaned at age 9 – moved in with older brother and began musical training
He loved his family – had 20 children. Many of them became brilliant musicians. Over 50 decedents are remembered by musicologists. The word BACH, their last name, became synonymous with skilled musician.
Bach worked hard. When asked about his genius, he said “I was made to work; if you were equally industrious you will be equally successful.” His works include 60 HUGE volumes (Chorales, cantatas, masses, oratorios, passions, concerti, and solo works for almost every instrument of his day).
He played the harpsichord, but he was primarily known as an organist in his day. In the 19^th century, he was appreciated more as a brilliant composer.
Bach was very religious and a follower of Martin Luther. He would mark music “help me, Jesus or “in the name of Jesus” or “to God alone, the glory.
His son, Carl Philipp Emanuel (CPE) Bach, said the entire Bach family “were in the habit of beginning all things with religion.” Everything in life was spiritual to them. “Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence.”
Bach chose to be a church musician. He left the only secular position he ever held, Capellmeister of the court of Prince Leopold, and instead chose an obscure position as Cantor at a church in Leipzig.
By age 65, Bach was completely blind. His last work, dictated from his bed, was called “Before Thy Throne I Come.”

Words to Remember

Music's Purpose

Music’s only purpose should be for the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit….
Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence.

By: Johann Sebastian Bach

Lesson activity

Fugue Fun

Play the first 5 notes of the Bach’s g minor fugue as everyone sings along “la, mi, do, ti, la” with the music. These first 5 notes are the theme of this fugue. Fugue’s have a theme that reappears several times in different voices, starting sometimes on a high note and sometimes a low note. Have everyone sit in a circle with 9 sticks in the middle. Everyone drums a steady beat as the music plays. Anytime the theme appears, try to be the first to grab a stick. If you grab a stick at the incorrect time, you have to put it back. Did you find the 9 times the fugue theme appears? Try the activity again with other fugues.