Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21st 1685. He is the son of Johann Ambrosius. For many years, members of the Bach family had held positions such as organists, town instrumentalists, or Cantors.

When Bach was eight years old he went to the old Latin Grammar School. He was taught reading and writing, Latin grammar, and a great deal of scripture, both in Latin and German. The boys in the school formed the choir of the St. Georgenkirche. This also gave Bach an opportunity to sing in the regular services, as well as in the nearby villages. He has an uncommonly fine treble voice.

During this period Bach attended the Gymnasium of Ohrdruf, which had become one of the most progressive schools in Germany. He had made great progress in Latin, Greek, theology, and had reached the top form at a very early age.

It was his excellent soprano voice that found Bach a position in the choir of the wealthy Michaelis monastery at Luneburg, which was known to provide a free place for boys who were poor but had musical talent.

At the end of 1703, Bach took up his post at the small town of Arnstadt. He was no doubt thrilled about having his own very large organ of two manuals and twenty-three speaking stops. He also had the responsibility of providing music for his own congregation.

In 1707 Bach went to Muhlhausen to take up the post of organist to the town. Unfortunately, a quarter of the whole town was hit by a...