what instruments did bach play

What Instruments Did Bach Play?

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Johann Sebstian Bach (J. S. Bach) born on 31st March, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany. J. S. Bach was a German music composer and musician of the Baroque period. He has been the greatest composer of all time in the history of Western music.

He is well known for his iconic orchestral music, instrumental compositions, organ works, and vocal music, such as Brandenburg Concertos, Goldberg Variations, Schubler Chorales, and St. Matthew Passion. 

He married his cousin Maria Barbara Bach in 1707-1720. Later, Maria died at only 35; then J. S. Bach married Anna Magdalena Bach in 1721-1750; he died in 1750 at age 65. 

What Instruments Did Bach Play?

Johann Sebastian Bach (J. S. Bach) was a german composer and musician. He started his musical career by playing the harpsichord and the violin under his father’s guidance Johann Ambrosius. Later, his uncle Johann Christoph Bach taught him the organ. And he was exceptionally well at playing these instruments. 

organ

How Many Instruments Did Bach Play?

Johann Sebastian Bach played many instruments like the violin, horn, brass, contrabass, cello, oboe, bassoon, flute, and recorder. He could play more instruments that are not even in a typical orchestra anymore in today’s life. 

Interesting Facts About Bach

Here are 15 interesting facts about  J. S. Bach –

  1. J. S. Bach was born on March 31, 1685, in Eisnach, Thuringia, Germany. 
  2. J. S. Bach was the 8th generation musician in his family.
  3. Bach lost his parents when he was 10 years old. 
  4. His elder brother had a leading role in his career and taught him the organ.
  5. Most of his work was unacknowledged while he was alive. 
  6. J. S. Bach married his cousin Maria Barbara Bach and had seven children with her. 
  7. In 1700, he got a scholarship to St. Micheal School for his fine voice. 
  8. He also went to prison for quite a few weeks.
  9. He worked as a composer with Prince Leopold. 
  10. He was a massive fan of his fellow organist Dieterich Buxtehude. 
  11. In 1707, Bach became the organist in the church St. Blaise.
  12. He taught the children in the church and was a rigorous teacher. 
  13. He had a failed eye surgery that got him blind.
  14. The “Art of Fugue” was started in 1749 but wasn’t completed.
  15. Most of Bach’s choral music was composed in Leipzig, Germany. 

Did Bach Play The Organ?

J. S. Bach was a fantastic organist; he was considered the incomparable organist all over Europe in his time. Many of Bach’s greatest hits were composed by the organ. He was a court organist at Weimar and also a member of the orchestra. He was inspired by Wilhelm Ernst and focused on his organ playing in the first few years of his career.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Most Famous Piece?

Johann Sebastian Bach’s most famous works involve the Concerto for Two Violins In D minor, Brandenburg Concertos, The Well-Tempered Clavier, The Art of the Fugue, Sonatas, and Partitas for Solo Violin, and Mass in B Minor. He composed more than over 1,000 pieces of music. 

Where And When Was Johann Sebastian Bach Born?

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 31st March 1685 in Eisenach, Germany.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Most Famous Song

Johann Sebastian Bach’s most famous songs are – 

  1. Air on the G String 
  2. Sheep May Safely Graze
  3. Brandenburg Concertos
  4. Concertos for Two Violins, Strings, Basso continuo an Orchestra in D Minor
  5. Badinerie (Performed on Recorder)
  6. Italian Concerto:Moderato 
  7. Erdarme Dich 
  8. Prelude
  9. Mass in B Minor
  10. Partitas for Solo Violin 

FAQ

What Instrument Did Bach Play The Most?

Bach played many instruments like the violin, horn, brass, contrabass, cello, oboe, bassoon, flute, recorder, harpsichord, and organ. But the organ was the main instrument he played, and his fame during his whole life was predicated on his excellent organ playing skills. 

Johann Sebastian Bach’s 3 Most Famous Compositions?

Johann Sebastian Bach composed more than 1000 songs and pieces. Some of the most famous compositions are – 

1. The Barandenburg Concertos 
2. Concerto for two Violins in D Minor
3. The Goldberg Vibrations

Last Words

I hope now you are entirely aware of who Johann Sebastian Bach was, his history, the instruments he played, his personal life, and his career life. And are satisfied with all the answers to the questions. 

Also, read about these musical icons: 

Featured Image Credits – NPR

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