Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21st l685, the son of Johann Ambrosius, court trumpeter for the Duke of Eisenach and director of the musicians of the town of Eisenach in Thuringia. For many years, members of the Bach family throughout Thuringia had held positions such as organists, town instrumentalists, or Cantors, and the family name enjoyed a wide reputation for musical talent. Compared to most other major composers, Johann Sebastian Bach's life and …

…died in Leipzig. Bach's final and longest term of employment was as cantor of the St. Thomas's Church in Leipzig. He had many duties here, including performing, composing, teaching Latin, and administering church services. While at Leipzig, Bach was required to compose new music for every church service. This duty led to the composition of over 300 cantatas. A cantata was a vocal work that served as the main musical portion of the Lutheran church service.