Johann Sebastian Bach Life and Compositions Johann Sebastian

Johann Sebastian Bach Life and Compositions

Johann Sebastian Bach

Life Born: March 21, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany

Life ♫ ♫ ♫ Born into a family full of musical talent Father- violin and trumpet Brother- organist and composer Uncles- professional musicans

Instruments Bach mastered the following instruments: Violin Harpsichord Organ

Studies • Theology • Latin • History • Italian • Geography • French

Influence Bach was influenced by a variety of composers: • Jean-Babtiste Lully • Johann Pachelbel • Marias • Antonio Vivaldi

Influence Bach influenced a variety of composers: • Ludwig van Beethoven • Frederic Chopin • Sergei Prokofiev

Baroque Era • • European style of classical music “Misshapen pearl” Elaborate musical ornamentation Bach’s death marked the end of this era

Compositional Language • Studied Vivaldi • Performed music of English, French and Italian composers • Worked as a Cantor • Taught his own children and wife Antonio Vivaldi

Family • Maria Barbara, first wife • Seven children with Maria • After Maria died, Bach married Anna Magdalena • Anna was inspiration for the “Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach” • Thirteen children with Anna • Bach fathered a total of 20 children

Life • Died: July 28, 1750 in Leipzig Germany • Buried at St. Thomas’ Church

Compositions (1 of 3) • Bach wrote over 1, 100 music compositions in all genres • 224 cantatas still exist • Genres include: voice, violin, flute, orchestra music, keyboard, organ, cello and orchestral music

Composition (2 of 3) “Das Wohltemperierte Clavier” • English translation: The Well Tempered Piano • Written in 1722 • Collection of solo keyboard music • Originated in Kothen

Composition (3 of 3) • Short and unique octaves and melodies consisting of a broad range of musical notes and tunes • Funded by the young prince, Leopold • Original by Bach cannot be heard • Recorded by numerous artists and is readily available to listen

Listening Guide Song: Ave Maria • Piano begins slowly and increases in tempo • 1: 01 Tempo slows down

Listening Guide Song: Air on a G String Very soft texture Continual repeat of the chorus 1: 44 Deeper pitch and tempo slows down