A Brief History of Bach

Summary

This video explores the life and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of the Baroque period. Born into a musical family in 1685, Bach's early life was marked by loss and resilience, which shaped his industrious and self-motivated personality. Throughout his career, Bach composed over 300 cantatas, revolutionized organ music, and influenced generations of composers. The video covers his three major life periods, from his time as an organist to his work in Leipzig, where he produced monumental works like the Mass in B Minor. Despite facing personal and professional struggles, Bach’s music left an indelible mark on classical music history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bach was born in 1685 into a highly musical family in Germany, with both his father and uncles being musicians.
• 😀 At the age of 9, Bach's parents died, and he moved in with his elder brother, who was also a musician and studied under Pachelbel.
• 😀 Bach's early music education was at St. Michael’s School, where he studied Italian and French music along with German traditions.
• 😀 Bach was known for his disciplined approach to learning, often copying sheet music to study other composers' works.
• 😀 Bach's early career included a job at the court of Duke Wilhelm Ernst in Weimar, where he composed famous works like the 'Well-Tempered Clavier.'
• 😀 His stubborn personality often led to conflicts with employers, including a brief imprisonment in 1717 for trying to leave his job in Weimar.
• 😀 Bach's middle career period (1717-1723) was spent composing secular music for Prince Leopold in Köthen, including orchestral suites and violin concertos.
• 😀 Bach married twice, first to Maria Barbara (who passed away in 1720), and then to Anna Magdalena, with whom he had 13 children.
• 😀 As cantor at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig (1723-1750), Bach composed over 300 cantatas, many of which are staples of the classical music canon.
• 😀 Bach's health declined in the final years of his life, and despite undergoing a botched eye surgery, he passed away in 1750, aged 65.
• 😀 Although Bach was largely forgotten during the 18th century, composers like Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Beethoven revived his music in the 19th century.
• 😀 Despite his temperamental personality, Bach’s hard work, ambition, and legacy solidified him as one of the greatest composers in history.

Q & A

What was unique about Johann Sebastian Bach's early life?

Bach was born into a musical family in 1685, where his father and uncles were all musicians. He faced a tragic loss at a young age, losing both parents by the age of 10, and was sent to live with his older brother, who also worked in music. His brother studied under Pachelbel, which likely influenced Bach's early development.

How did Bach’s time at St. Michael’s School influence his musical development?

At St. Michael’s School, Bach was exposed to a broader range of European music beyond just German styles, including Italian and French music. This diverse exposure helped shape his musical approach and development. He also had access to the school's organs and harpsichords, which played a key role in his musical studies.

What was Bach’s approach to learning music during his youth?

Bach was known for being a disciplined and methodical student. He would often copy sheet music by hand, a practice used by musicians at the time to internalize and learn music. His commitment to hard work and continuous learning was key to his development as a composer.

How did Bach’s early career struggles shape his professional journey?

Bach faced many early career struggles, including not instantly landing his dream job. He worked for a Duke in Weimar and performed various non-musical tasks before gaining recognition. His determination led to a successful keyboard recital, which eventually secured him a position at the new church in Arnstadt, where he thrived.

Why was Bach imprisoned during his time in Weimar?

Bach was imprisoned for a month because he was determined to leave his position in Weimar, but his employer refused to let him resign. His stubbornness in forcing the issue of his dismissal led to the imprisonment, showcasing his strong-willed personality.

What role did Bach’s personal life play in his musical career?

Bach’s personal life was intertwined with his music career. He married twice, first to Maria Barbara, with whom he had several children, and later to Anna Magdalena, a talented soprano. Bach fathered 20 children in total, many of whom survived into adulthood, and his family life influenced his creative output and priorities.

What was Bach’s position at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, and how did it affect his music?

In Leipzig, Bach became the Cantor at St. Thomas Church, where he had a prestigious and busy role. He composed over 300 cantatas for church services and also directed the Collegium Musicum, a group that performed secular music. This position allowed Bach to write and perform some of his most significant works.

How did Bach's reputation evolve after his death?

Bach's music fell out of fashion after his death, particularly during the Classical period. However, in the 19th century, composers like Mendelssohn helped revive his works, and his music was rediscovered and celebrated. By the mid-1800s, Bach was firmly re-established as one of the greatest composers of all time.

What were some of Bach’s personal characteristics and how did they influence his career?

Bach was known for his industriousness, strong will, and pride. He was highly self-motivated and dedicated to improving his craft, often going to great lengths to study music. However, his temperamental personality sometimes led to conflicts with employers and musicians, such as his infamous reaction to mistakes during rehearsals.

How did Bach contribute to the development of keyboard instruments?

Bach had a close relationship with the keyboard instrument maker Silberman, who invited him to test early piano prototypes. Bach was critical of the instruments, calling the treble notes weak and the keys difficult to play. Though his feedback was harsh, it led to improvements in the instruments, marking an important moment in the evolution of the piano.