Born: 1685, Eisenach, Thuringia (Germany)
Died: 1750, Leipzig, Saxony (Germany)

"...Besides other forms of worship, music especially has also been ordered by God's spirit through David."

One of the titans of Western music, Bach relied on the favor of princes, kings, and town councils for employment throughout his life. He saw himself as a tradesman who happened to be a musician instead of a cobbler, a carpenter, or a baker. Bach produced a vast body of masterpieces inspired by his kaleidoscopic musical knowledge and his Lutheran faith. Near the end of his life, he devoted himself increasingly to solving abstract musical problems, like those posed by the "royal theme" that generated The Musical Offering.

Further Listening:

Brandenburg Concertos (1713-21)
English Concert, Pinnock (Archiv)

St. Matthew Passion (1729)
Soloists, Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner (Archiv)

Goldberg Variations (keyboard, 1742)
Perahia (Sony Classical)