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

Learning resources

Example questions:

  • Where and when was Mozart born?

  • Where and when did Beethoven die?

  • How old was J.S. Bach when he died?

  • What age was Mozart when he began to play publicly?

  • Who was Beethoven’s patron?

  • Approximately how many works did Mozart compose?

  • In what style did J.S. Bach write in?  Baroque, Classical or Romantic?

  • What was Beethoven’s most famous composition?

  • Why could the 1st movement of Bach’s Brandenburg concerto No. 2 be described as ‘Out of this world’?

  • I will play a piece of music from the nine options you have been researching.  Who composed it?  Bach, Mozart or Beethoven?

Graduate Award links:

Pupils who wish to become Graduates in the available study topics can elect to study at home and in school during their own time, taking the Graduate Test when they know they are ready.

Upon graduation, they will receive a badge which they can wear on their school uniform with pride.

This will further demonstrate to their peers, parents, visitors and the wider community just how dedicated they are to their studies.