Bachs of Thuringia—Veit Bach, the ancestor of John Sebastian—His sons and descendants—A breach of promise of marriage—J. Christoph Bach of Arnstadt—His cantata “Es erhob sich ein Streit”—John Michael Bach of Gehren—His character—His compositions—J. Christoph Bach of Ohrdruf and his descendants—The sons of John Sebastian Bach—The clan feeling—A sixteenth century quodlibet

1 CHAPTER II Bach’s attitude towards art—His birth—The death of his father—Moves to Ohrdruf—Performances in the Ohrdruf choir—Removal to Lüneburg—His industry as a boy—Expeditions to Hamburg and Celle—Joins the Court Orchestra at Weimar—Is appointed organist at Arnstadt—Troubles with the church authorities—Successfully competes for a new post 20 CHAPTER III Bach’s salary—He borrows a cart from the Consistory for his furniture—The agreement is made verbally—Bach’s first marriage—His duties at St Blasius—The festival compositions—Repairs to the organ—Difficulties with the Pietists—He resigns his post—Is appointed chamber-musician at Weimar—His duties there—His relations with Walther—Studies instrumental music—His journeys—His competition with Marchand 34 CHAPTER IV Bach becomes capellmeister to the Duke of Cöthen—His Weimar pupils—His new duties—Death of his wife—Journey to Hamburg—He competes for an organistship there—The post is sold—Disgust of Matheson at the transaction—Bach endeavours to meet Handel—His second marriage—Is obliged to leave Cöthen 48 CHAPTER V The position and duties of the Cantor of St Thomas’ School at Leipsic—The condition of the school in 1722—Kuhnau’s death—Competition and election of two cantors in succession—Bach offers himself—Is elected—Difficulties with the authorities—The Council make irritating regulations—Bach endeavours to leave Leipsic—Election of a new Rector, and temporary disappearance of Bach’s troubles 59 CHAPTER VI Home life at Leipsic—Personal details—Music in the family circle—Bach’s intolerance of incompetence—He throws his wig at Görner—His preference for the clavichord—Bach as an examiner—His sons and pupils—His general knowledge of musical matters—Visit from Hurlebusch—His able management of money—His books and instruments—The Dresden Opera—A new Rector, and further troubles—Bach complains to the Council 77 CHAPTER VII Bach obtains a title from the Saxon Court—Plays the organ at Dresden—Attacked by Scheibe—Mizler founds a musical society—Further disputes—Bach’s successor chosen during his lifetime—Visit to Frederick the Great—Bach’s sight fails—Final illness and death—Notice in the Leipsic Chronicle—The Council—Fate of the widow and daughter 84 CHAPTER VIII The Cantatas and the Chorale 91 CHAPTER IX The Matthew Passion and B Minor Mass 114 CHAPTER X The Wohltemperirte Clavier—The Art of Fugue—The Musical Offering—Bach as a teacher—Bach’s works in England 131 CHAPTER XI The Christmas Oratorio—The Magnificat—The lost works—Instrumental works—Bach’s playing—The Manieren or grace notes 144 CHAPTER XII Innovations in the fingering and use of keyed and stringed instruments 152 CHAPTER XIII The organs in Leipsic churches—Bach’s method of accompanying—The pitch of organs 160 CHAPTER XIV Bach as “Familien-Vater”—As a choirmaster—His eagerness to learn all that was new and of value in music—He finds time to conduct public concerts—His self-criticism—Bach was never a poor man—His reputation was gained by his playing rather than compositions—Portraits—Public monuments 170 CATALOGUE OF VOCAL WORKS 177 CATALOGUE OF INSTRUMENTAL WORKS 191 BIBLIOGRAPHY 202 GLOSSARY 205

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