Bach

audiobook (Unabridged) The Life, Background, and Mission of a Genius Composer

By Kelly Mass

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Johann Sebastian Bach, a luminary of the late Baroque era, graced the world with his transcendent compositions and musical prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of German artistry. Renowned for his orchestral masterpieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos, instrumental gems like the Cello Suites, and keyboard marvels like the Goldberg Variations and The Well-Tempered Clavier, Bach's legacy resonates through the ages.


Born as the youngest scion of a musical lineage in Eisenach, Bach's destiny intertwined with the harmonies of his familial predecessors. Orphaned at the tender age of ten, he sought refuge in the tutelage of his elder brother Johann Christoph. Five years of profound musical immersion in this fraternal haven laid the foundation for Bach's illustrious journey.


Venturing forth to refine his musical acumen, Bach embarked on an odyssey that led him to Lüneburg, where he completed his education. The orchestral realms of Arnstadt and Mühlhausen witnessed his melodic contributions, while the courts of Weimar and Köthen became the crucibles of his artistic evolution. Weimar, a realm where the organ's majesty captured his attention, and Köthen, a haven where chamber music found its muse in his hands.


The zenith of Bach's career unfolded in Leipzig, where he assumed the mantle of Thomaskantor in 1723. A harmonious symbiosis with the city's Lutheran churches and the Collegium Musicum, the university's ensemble, became the canvas for his creative expressions. The year 1726 marked a pivotal moment as he unveiled some of his keyboard and organ compositions to the world.

Bach