Bach

bak, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750), a celebrated German musician. He was born at Eisenach. A soprano choir singer, court organist, and director of concerts at Weimar, in 1723 he became cantor to St. Thomas' School at Leipsic. Bach was a noted composer and organist. His compositions are too difficult to be popular; but in reputation and merit he has no rival unless it be Handel. Bach played before Frederick the Great at Potsdam, and was appreciated by musical circles throughout Europe. Bach was a skillful pianist. He is credited with having taught the modern method of tuning pianos, and the method of playing by which all the fingers are used. He was a beautiful singer, but lost his voice while a young man. The Bach family is decidedly musical. Ancestors and descendants of Sebastian to the number of not less than 120 have been organists in cathedrals. See Organ; Handel