Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography of the composer

Johann Sebastian Bach is the most talented composer of the 18th century. Since the day of his death more than 250 years have passed, and interest in his music has not been quenched until now. But during the life of the deserved recognition the composer did not receive. Interest in his work appeared only a century after his departure.

Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography: childhood

Born Johann in 1685 in Eisenach, a provincial town in Germany. His father was a violinist. From it, Johann learned the basics of playing the instrument. In addition, Bach Jr. possessed a fine soprano and sang in the school choir. The future profession of Johann was predetermined. At the age of 9, the boy was left without parents. He was taken to his home by his older brother. In Ordufa, he served as an organist in the church and took the boy to the same place, arranged it for the gymnasium. Music lessons continued, but they were too monotonous, unproductive.

Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography: the beginning of an independent life

Fifteen-year-old Johann moved to Lüneburg. The successful completion of the gymnasium gave him the right to enter the university. However, lack of means of subsistence prevented the young man from using this opportunity. He had to travel more than once in his life. The reason was always poor working conditions, humiliating position. But no situation distracted Bach from studying new music, the manner of performing contemporary composers. If possible, he tried to meet them personally. At that time, all worshiped foreign music. He had the courage to defend and study his national works.

Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography: additional talents

Johann's abilities were not limited only to composer's skill. Among his contemporaries he was considered the best performer of the harpsichord and organ game. It was for improvisation on these instruments that he got recognition (even his rivals) during his lifetime. It is said that when the harpsichordist and organist from France Louis Marchand heard the performance of Bach on the eve of the match in Dresden playing the instruments, he hastily left the city.

Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography: court musician

Since 1708, Johann served in Weimar as a musician at the court. During this period, he wrote many famous works. Soon Bach got a family and already with her in 1717 moved at the invitation of the prince to Keten. It turned out that there is no organ. The composer had to lead a small orchestra, entertain the prince and accompany him to singing. In this city, Bach wrote three-part and two-voice inventions, as well as "English" and "French suites." Fugues and preludes, completed in Ketene, were the first volume of the "Well-Tempered Clavier" - a huge work.

Bach Johann Sebastian. Biography is brief: justification in Leipzig

In this city Bach moved in 1723 and stayed there forever. At the church of St. Thomas he received the post of the head of the choir. The conditions for Bach were again shy. In addition to many duties (educator, composer, teacher), he was ordered not to leave the city without the permission of the burgomaster. He also had to write music according to the rules: not too operatic and long, but at the same time one that would arouse reverence in listeners. But, despite all the restrictions, Bach, as always, continued to create. His best compositions he created in Leipzig. The administration of the church considered the music of Johann Sebastian to be too colorful, humane and vivid, there was little money allocated for the maintenance of the school. Creativity and family remained the only joy of the composer. His three sons were also great musicians. Anna Magdalena, Bach's second wife, had a magnificent soprano. His oldest daughter also sang well.

Johann Bach. Biography: the completion of life

Last years the composer suffered a serious eye disease. The operation was unsuccessful, and Bach was completely blind. But even in this state, he continued to compose. His works were recorded at dictation. The musical community almost did not notice the death of the great composer. About it pretty quickly everyone forgot. Anna Magdalena, the second wife of Johann, died in a charity house. Regina, Bach's youngest daughter, lived as a beggar, only in recent years Beethoven helped her.