The music of Johann Sebastian Bach has long served as a wellspring of inspiration for composers across centuries. From the Classical era to the Romantic period and beyond, Bach’s music has been adapted for new instruments, ensembles, and audiences. Even

Over the years, Anna Magdalena Bach fulfilled many different roles. Above all, she mothered a large and steadily increasing family. When she married the widower Bach, she took on four small children, and subsequently gave birth to thirteen children over

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) wrote 4 Overtures (as he called them), known as his four Orchestra Suites between 1724 and 1731. Each of these suites consists of several movements that are dance-pieces. The form was extremely popular in Bach’s time,

Carl Philipp Emanuel remembered the Bach household in Leipzig as a “pigeon coop,” with people swarming in and out all the time. Conversing with the Bach biographer Forkel, Carl Philipp recounts, “With his many activities Bach hardly had time for

The Goldberg Variations, published by Bach in 1741, is beloved by musicians. Those who don’t play a keyboard instrument have been quick to arrange it for their own specialties. We’ll now look at very large ensembles and a few surprises.

Johann Sebastian Bach—one name says it all! On 21 March, we celebrate one of the most revered and influential composers who ever lived. His compositions fill the air with harmony and joy, and his genius continues to inspire the world.

The Goldberg Variations, published by Bach in 1741, is beloved by musicians. Those who don’t play a keyboard instrument have been quick to arrange it for their own specialties. We’ll continue our examination with more ensemble versions and some other

The position of Kantor at the Thomasschule in Leipzig was one of the most esteemed musical positions in Germany. Bach’s duties were demanding and varied, and he was certainly the most important musician in town. In charge of music at