J.S. Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer who lived in what is known as the Baroque Period. This period ran between 1600 and 1750. He composed famous pieces for instruments, and also wrote for the voice. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time.
- Born: 31st March 1685, Eisenach, Germany
- Died: 28th July 1750, Leipzig, Germany
- Family: Taught music by his father and other family members. Orphaned at the age of 10. From the age of 10, he lived with his brother who was a church organist.
J.S. Bach
Bach wrote a huge amount of music. His music caught the attention of The Margrave of Brandenburg, for whom he composed some of his most famous music:
The Brandenburg Concertos
This is a set of six orchestral pieces, regarded as some of Bach’s finest works.
Other famous instrumental pieces include The Goldberg Variations, written for harpsichord; and Air on a G String.
An example of a famous piece of vocal music by Bach (vocal means ‘for the voice’) is Sheep May Safely Graze.
Fascinating Fact
The first movement of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 was chosen as the first musical piece to be played on the Voyager Golden Record which was sent into outer space with the two Voyager probes in 1977.

Air on the G String – Second movement of Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068.
Brandenburg Concerto No.2 in F major, BWV 1047.
Sheep May Safely Graze from the Hunting Cantata BWV 208