Johann Sebastian Bach: Composer of the Baroque Era

March 1685 – July 1750

Bach was the eighth and youngest child of a prolific musical family. His uncles were all professional musicians, whose posts included church organists, court chamber musicians, and composers. He was orphaned at the age of 10 and continued his musical education with his eldest brother and under his own initiative, enrolled in a local school where he studied, performed and copied music. Bach enriched established German styles through his mastery of counterpoint, harmonic and adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France.

Bach’s best-known orchestral works are the Brandenburg Concertos, so named because he submitted them in the hope of gaining employment from Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt in 1721; his application was unsuccessful.

They are widely regarded as some of the best orchestral compositions of the Baroque era.

Fun Fact: Despite being born in the same year and only about 81 miles apart, Bach and Handel never met.

Join is February 24, 2019 as the La Mirada Symphony will perform selected works from Bach.