J.S Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was born at
Eisenach, Thuringia, 21 March 1685.
To Mr Johann Ambrosius Bach,
Town Musician. The Bach family
had been professional musicians for
several generations.
About forty musicians-Bachs
among his contemporaries; they
included trumpeters, violinists, organists, choirmasters and singers.
If ever a composer showed polyphony in its greatest strength, it was
certainly Johann Sebastian Bach. If ever a musician used the most
concealed mysteries of harmony with the greatest artistry, it was
certainly Bach. No one ever showed so many ingenious and unusual
ideas. His temperament attracted him to music that was serious,
elaborate and profound; but he could also, when appropriate, adjust
himself to a lighter and more humorous approach.
Constant practice at working out polyphonic pieces gave his eye
such facility that even with the largest score he could take in all the
simultaneous parts at a glance.