By Dylan

Johann Sebastian Bach was a great composer who was born in the small town of Eisenach, Germany on March 21, 1685 and died in Leipzig, Germany on July 28, 1750 at the age of 65. Bach came from a huge line of composers that lasted for about 200 years. The Bachs would have family gatherings and play music together. The Bachs were such a long lasting family, that Bach even made a family tree.

Bach started taking lessons in his childhood by this father Johann Ambrosia Bach. When young Johann was only 10 years old, his parents died. His brother Johann Christian Bach had to take care of 10 year old Johann. When Johann Christian had nothing to teach Johann Sebastian, he still had a book for Johann, but he wouldnât let him use it. Bach would go to the locked bookcase, put his hand in a small hole, and take the paper. He would copy the paper so his brother wouldnât find it missing. It took him a long time, but he finally finished it. But right when he did this, Johann Christian ripped it to shreds. Bach did not live his whole life with his brother. He also held a variety of posts such as an organist in Milhausen from 1707 to 1708. From the age of 23, Johann played at Weimar for nine years (1708-1717). At the age of 32, Bach had his most important job. He was the music director for Prince Leopold for one year in 1717. Bach composed many pieces of now famous music. Among his work was the Brandenburg Concertos, dedicated to Monsiegneur Christian Ludwig in 1721.

Bachâs first wife, Maria Barbara (his cousin), died in 1720. He married his second wife one year later in 1720, Anna Magdelene Wilkin. Bach had twenty children in all and most turned out to be musicians. In 1723 when Bach was 38 he became cantor and music director of St. Thomas Church, in Leipzig. He stayed there until his death in 1750.