J. S. Bach A German Composer

Family were all musicians Father was the official town musician Was the youngest of 8 children Parents died when he was 10 Went to live with older brother Family History

Violin Organ Main Instruments

Bach’s 3 Main Jobs 1st Job: Church Organist for the Duke of Weimar Duke of Weimar

Bach as Church Organist Wrote great organ music Was also concert master (lead violinist) The Duke threw him in jail for a month when he wanted to leave his job Wrote 46 pieces of music while in jail Went to work for the prince after he got out

Bach’s 3 Main Jobs 2nd Job: Head Conductor of Prince Leopold’s Orchestra Prince Leopold

Bach as Head Conductor Directed the Prince’s great orchestra Wrote LOTS of instrumental music during this time

Bach’s 3 Main Jobs 3rd Job: Cantor at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Liepzig St. Thomas Church

Bach as Cantor Choir and Music Director (a HUGE job) Trained singers Organized music for several churches & for the University of Liepzig Composed new music for services EVERY week Wrote great Choral Music during this time

While alive, Bach... Was just another working musician Was unknown by anyone outside of the towns he worked in Wrote music that was only performed once and then, often, thrown away Had very little of his music published

After Bach died... People forgot about him and his music 100 years later, Mendelssohn performed one of his pieces Finally, the world recognized Bach as the genius he was

Bach was married twice and had 20 children! Maria Barbara - his 2nd Cousin They had 7 children Anna Magdalena - a singer They had 13 children 10 died as babies 4 became famous musicians themselves

The End By Mrs. Wright