Wolff, Christoph - Johann Sebastian Bach

Published to mark the 250th anniversary of J.S. Bach's death, this landmark biography by the 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.

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CONTENTS

Preface
Prologue: Bach and the Notion of Musical Science
1 Springs of Musical Talent and Lifelong Influences - Eisenach, 1685-1695
2 Laying the Foundation - Ohrduff, 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 Highlight 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:
Chronology
Money and Living Costs in Bach's Time
Movable and Fixed Feasts in the Lutheran Church Calendar
Bibliography
Index