Wolff, Christoph - Johann Sebastian Bach

Now available in paperback, this landmark biography (first published in 2000 to mark the 250th anniversary of J. S. Bach's death) written by a leading Bach scholar presents a new picture of the composer that brings to life this towering figure of the Baroque era. Throughout, Christoph Wolff demonstrates the intimate connection between Bach's life and his music, showing how the composer's superb inventiveness pervaded his career as a musician, composer, performer, scholar, and teacher.

---

CONTENTS

List of Illustrations
Preface
Prologue: Bach and the Notion of Musical Science
1. Springs of Musical Talent and Lifelong Influences: Eisenach, 1685-1695
2. Laying the Foundation: Ohrdruff, 1695-1700
3. Bypassing a Musical Apprenticeship: From Luneberg to Weimar, 1700-1703
4. Building a Reputation: Organist in Arnstadt and Muhlhausen, 1703-1708
5. Exploring Every Possible Artistry: Court Organist and Cammer Musicus in Weimar, 1708-1714
6. Expanding Musical Horizons: Concertmaster in Weimar, 1714-1717
7. Pursuing the Musical Contest for Superiority: Capellmeister in Cothen, 1717-1723
8. Redefining a Venerable Office: Cantor and Music Director in Leipzig---The 1720s
9. Musician and Scholar: Counterpoint of Practice and Theory
10. Traversing Conventional Boundaries: Special Engagements---The 1730s
11. A Singing Bird and Carnations for the Lady of the House: Domestic and Professional Life
12. Contemplating Past, Present, and Future: The Final Decade---The 1740s
Epilogue: Bach and the idea of Musical Perfection
Notes
Music Examples
Appendices:1. Chronology
2. Places of Bach's Activities
3. Money and Living Costs in Bach's Time
4. The Lutheran Church Calendar
Bibliography
Genre Index of Bach's Works
Title Index of Bach's Works
General Index