Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the greatest geniuses in the history of music. His hard struggle for life, his productivity and his deep commitment to music is what makes him unique. The Bach Museum in Leipzig is the perfect stop for those who want to explore the legacy of this great composer. In this article, I will share some of the highlights of Bach’s life and what you can expect when you visit the Bach Museum. If you are ready, let’s embark on a journey full of music!
Who is Johann Sebastian Bach?
German musician Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of classical western music, was born on March 21, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. Bach, who came from a family where almost every member had been a musician for centuries, lost his mother at the age of 9 and his father a year later.
He was only 15 years old when he entered Mattehaus Church as a soprano. At the time, the composer Georg Böhm was playing the organ at Johannes Church in Lüneburg. She benefited greatly from this master. Böhm’s influence is noticeable in Bach’s first works for organ. J. S. Bach was so eager to increase his knowledge that, not content with the opportunities he found in Lüneburg, he sometimes risked traveling 200 – 250 km on foot to Hamburg to listen to the works of great composers.
Bach had 20 children from his two marriages. Only 13 of his children survived. All of his children had a talent for music. Three of his sons continued their lives as musicians like their father. One of his sons, Johann Chiristian, met Mozart in London. Mozart was impressed by Johann Chiristian, who became known as the “Bach of London”, and was inspired by his works in his first symphonies.
Johann Sebastian Bach's Music Life
In the early years of his career, Bach played the organ in Armstad, but he wanted a more serious, more professional job where he could earn more money. After a while he found what he was looking for in Mühlhausen. Although he composed some of his extant works during this period, most of the compositions he made here have not survived to this day.
Bach, who did not leave Germany throughout his life, was influenced by Vivaldi and Froberger, which enabled him to develop his music from an Italian and French perspective. He composed over 1000 compositions throughout his life. However, the works that have survived to the present day are limited to what Carl Phillip Emanuel, from his second marriage, took into his archive and are known thanks to him. Only 12 of the works composed by Johann Sebastian Bach have survived to the present day.
Another unknown fact about Johann Sebastian Bach is that he spent the last years of his life blind. After returning to Leipzig, his relatives began to worry about his worsening illnesses. He was stubborn about his illnesses and ignored them and pushed on. His eyes, which had long been myopic, could not handle his hard work. In 1749, he underwent an operation on his eyes. The operation caused him to go completely blind.
Even though he lost his sight, he never lost his faith and ambition and continued his work.
One of his most important works of this period was his Last Chorale, which he dictated to his son-in-law and protégé Altnikol. This chorale began with the words “When we are in the greatest distress”. When he felt that his death was approaching, he had the phrase “Lord, here I am in your presence” added to the beginning of that chorale.
The great composer, who mastered not only German styles but all European rhythms, was known as a highly respected organist in his time. The famous composer wrote in his autobiography: “I have had to be industrious in my life, and those who can be as industrious as I am will be able to reach what I have reached.”
Ten days before his death, he regained his sight, but not for long. On July 28, 1750, he died of a high fever at 20:45.
Where is the Bach Museum Leipzig?
The Bach Museum, located opposite St. Thomas Church, is one of the must-see places in Leipzig. The famous composer’s grave is inside the church. There is also a statue of him in front of the church.
What is there to see at Bach Museum Leipzig?
At the Bach Museum, you can follow the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach and his family. You can discover the timbres of Baroque instruments in an interactive multimedia exhibition. In the treasure room you can see original manuscripts and other valuables. Bach’s organ, which he used in St. John’s Church in 1743, is located here. A digital map of the city of Leipzig is placed on the floor of the museum. You can see photographs of the places where Bach spent time during his lifetime on the map. In the museum belonging to the Bach Archive Foundation, you can watch the details of the composer’s life.
While telling about the museum, it is also necessary to tell about Bach himself. Johann Sebastian Bach, the son of a family of musicians, spent most of his life in Leipzig. Hardworking, meticulous and productive, the composer continued to work even when he was blind due to illness. He had his son-in-law sing and dictate his last chorale. You can find out more about the composer’s life at the Bach Museum.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in our Mozart article. It is right here.
