Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period (1685–1750), widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western classical music.
His works—including the *Brandenburg Concertos*, *The Well-Tempered Clavier*, and *Mass in B minor*—are foundational to the Western musical canon.
Bach mastered counterpoint and fugue, and his compositions continue to influence musicians across genres.
Vocal work with instruments
- choraleHymn tune or choir
- organBody's working component
- liturgicalOf public worship rites
- LutheranReformation-era Protestant denomination
motet · psalm · magnificat · church · Leipzig · congregation · hymn · devotional
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- ornamentationDecorative additions to something
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
- toccataImprovisatory keyboard composition
gigue · allemande · sarabande · minuet · chamber music · sonata · clavichord · patronage
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- clavichordSoft-toned keyed instrument
- organBody's working component
- inventionsOriginal creations or devices
- partitaBaroque instrumental suite
prelude · toccata · clavier · fugue · pedal · manual · temperament · fingering
Simultaneous independent melodies
- subjectMatter under discussion
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- episodeSerialized content unit
- augmentationAct of adding more
diminution · inversion · retrograde · imitation · voices · real answer · texture · motif
Person of rare brilliance
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
- masterworkSupreme creative achievement
- influencePower to affect others
Mendelssohn · revival · canon · foundational · pedagogy · transcription · admiration · timeless
cantata
Vocal work with instruments
- choraleHymn tune or choir
- organBody's working component
- liturgicalOf public worship rites
Lutheran · motet · psalm · magnificat · church · Leipzig · congregation · hymn · devotional · theology
harpsichord
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- ornamentationDecorative additions to something
- concertoSolo-and-orchestra composition
toccata · gigue · allemande · sarabande · minuet · chamber music · sonata · clavichord · patronage · Weimar
harpsichord
Plucked-string keyboard instrument
- clavichordSoft-toned keyed instrument
- organBody's working component
- inventionsOriginal creations or devices
partita · prelude · toccata · clavier · fugue · pedal · manual · temperament · fingering
counterpoint
Simultaneous independent melodies
- subjectMatter under discussion
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- episodeSerialized content unit
augmentation · diminution · inversion · retrograde · imitation · voices · real answer · texture · motif · development
genius
Person of rare brilliance
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
- masterworkSupreme creative achievement
influence · Mendelssohn · revival · canon · foundational · pedagogy · transcription · admiration · timeless · classical
Brandenburg Concertos
Bach's six orchestral works
- violin concertoSolo strings with orchestra
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
ensemble · solo · continuo · strings · oboe · flute · trumpet · orchestral suite · overture
- Music PioneersElvis Presley, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Louis Armstrong, Bob Dylan
- 1700sMozart, Voltaire, colonial period, French Revolution, William III
- German FiguresOtto von Bismarck, Bach, Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Goethe
- Bach legacy
- Classical Pianopiano, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin
- Harpsichord Musicharpsichord, clavichord, spinet, virginals, toccatas
Johann Sebastian BachJohn Cage
Prepared piano inventor
Philip Glass · minimalism · The Ramones · punk rock · nursery rhymes
Johann Sebastian BachJohn Lennon
Richard Wagner · electronic dance music · hip-hop · Skrillex · avant-garde
Johann Sebastian BachMadonna
Christ's mother, or pop icon
Britney Spears · boy bands · bubblegum pop · Sex Pistols · sacrilege