Johann Sebastian Bach Essay examples -- music, history, polyphnic tech

Throughout history, there have been many significant composers who have left their mark on the musical world. From Mozart, to Beethoven, to Chopin, to Brahms, each famous composer has had an influence on the music we hear today. However, perhaps one of the most influential of all composers is Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach’s effect on music history can never be over-exaggerated. Bach played a crucial role in influencing many later composers, such as Mozart and Beethoven, as well as many modern musicians, redefined polyphonic music and musical form, and created beautiful works of canonic music that still resonate with listeners today, over 250 years after his death. Born in March of 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach was born into a family of musicians. His father, Johann Ambrosius, was the court trumpeter for the Duke of Eisenach and director of the musicians in the town of Eisenach in Thuringia. â€Å"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.† (www.baroquemusic†¦. bach/html). This would, of course, influence Bach in many ways. At a young age, Bach was taught to play the violin and harpsichord by his father, and was later initiated into the art of playing the organ by his uncle. It was no surprise that young Bach was a willing student and became exceptionally proficient in these instruments. After the death of his parents at age 9, Bach went to live with his brother Johann Christoph, in Ohrdruf, where he spent much of his childhood. While living with Christoph, Bach was given the opportunity to observe the co... ...anied String Works." MTO 17.1: Davis, Stream Segregation and Perceived Syncopation. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. . 14. "Johann Sebastian Bach." Johann Sebastian Bach. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. . 15. "So what's so good about Bach then?." the Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. . 16. "John Eliot Gardiner: Bach's synthesis between his music and the word of God." the Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. . 17. "Revealed: the violent, thuggish world of the young JS Bach." the Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2015. .