Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a prolific composer, known particularly for his intricate and finely-wrought contrapuntal music and his abilities as a performer. During his life, Bach’s ability as a keyboard player won him particular acclaim. In the centuries that have followed, however, his compositions have received increasing attention for their combination of creativity and technical mastery. Bach wrote works for orchestra, chorus, solo instruments, and chamber music groups, and his music is considered to be the pinnacle of baroque style. In fact, his death marks the end of the baroque era in music history.

J.S. Bach came from a renowned family of German musicians and composers with a 200-year history of exceptional musical achievement. Shortly after Johann Sebastian’s death, however, his compositions fell into obscurity with the general public. Decades later, his music was brought back to prominence with the “Bach Revival,” spearheaded by Romantic era performers and conductors in Germany and England in the first half of the 19 th century. Today, Bach’s music is well-known and frequently performed throughout the world, and it has influenced and inspired many contemporary composers and performers. The case of Bach’s resurgence was “ the first time that a great composer, after a period of neglect, was accorded his rightful place by a later generation ,” according to the New Grove Dictionary.