Bach's Heart in Music

             Among the influential composers of baroque music, there have been few who have contributed so much in talent, creativity, and style as Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach was a German organist and composer of the baroque era. Bach was born on March 21, 1685 in Eisenach, Thuringia and died July 28,1750. Bach revealed his feelings and his insights in his pieces. Bach"s mastery of all the major forms of baroque music (except opera) resulted not only from his genius talent, but also from his life long quest for knowledge. In some parts of Germany, the name, "Bach" became a synonym with the word, "musician." Extremely talented in the art of baroque composition, Bach placed his heart, soul, and ingenuity in his music as it is clearly illustrated in his childhood, throughout his career, and of course through his musical works.

             Bach"s connection to music is already evident through his childhood. Bach was born into a musical family in Eisenach. His father, before dying, taught him the basic skills of strings and an organist at a church taught him how to play the organ. When both of his parents died, he continued to devote his early life to music. His brother Johann Christoph continued to teach him how to play the organ. Furthermore, he won a scholarship and became part of the school choir of poor boys in Luneburg. Already seen was his sheer genius and talent that he possessed for music. Clearly, his childhood played a big factor of building a solid foundation for his music.

             Bach"s heart in music does not end with his childhood but all through his career. As a master of several instruments, he became a violist in a court orchestra when he was only 18. Later, he became the organist of several churches in Arnstadt. Throughout these churches he had developed a reputation of having a brilliant musical talent. Also, because of his perfectionist tendencies and high expectations of other musicians, he fought many times which is yet another example of his compassion for music.

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