Chapter II: Preface: v

CHAPTER I

The Bachs of Thuringia--Veit Bach, the ancestor of John Sebastian--His sons and descendants--A breach of promise of marriage--J. Christoph Bach of Arnstadt--His cantata “Es erhob sich ein Streit”--John Michael Bach of Gehren--His character--His compositions--J. Christoph Bach of Ohrdruf and his descendants--The sons of John Sebastian Bach--The clan feeling--A sixteenth century _quodlibet_ 1

CHAPTER II

Bach’s attitude towards art--His birth--The death of his father--Moves to Ohrdruf--Performances in the Ohrdruf choir--Removal to Lüneburg--His industry as a boy--Expeditions to Hamburg and Celle--Joins the Court Orchestra at Weimar--Is appointed organist at Arnstadt--Troubles with the church authorities--Successfully competes for a new post 20

CHAPTER III

Bach’s salary--He borrows a cart from the Consistory for his furniture--The agreement is made verbally--Bach’s first marriage--His duties at St Blasius--The festival compositions--Repairs to the organ--Difficulties with the Pietists--He resigns his post--Is appointed chamber-musician at Weimar--His duties there--His relations with Walther--Studies instrumental music--His journeys--His competition with Marchand 34

CHAPTER IV

Bach becomes capellmeister to the Duke of Cöthen--His Weimar pupils--His new duties--Death of his wife--Journey to Hamburg--He competes for an organistship there--The post is sold--Disgust of Matheson at the transaction--Bach endeavours to meet Handel--His second marriage--Is obliged to leave Cöthen 48

CHAPTER V

The position and duties of the Cantor of St Thomas’ School at Leipsic--The condition of the school in 1722--Kuhnau’s death-- Competition and election of two cantors in succession--Bach offers himself--Is elected--Difficulties with the authorities--The Council make irritating regulations--Bach endeavours to leave Leipsic--Election of a new Rector, and temporary disappearance of Bach’s troubles 59

CHAPTER VI

Home life at Leipsic--Personal details--Music in the family circle-- Bach’s intolerance of incompetence--He throws his wig at Görner--His preference for the clavichord--Bach as an examiner--His sons and pupils--His general knowledge of musical matters--Visit from Hurlebusch--His able management of money--His books and instruments-- The Dresden Opera--A new Rector, and further troubles--Bach complains to the Council 77

CHAPTER VII

Bach obtains a title from the Saxon Court--Plays the organ at Dresden-- Attacked by Scheibe--Mizler founds a musical society--Further disputes--Bach’s successor chosen during his lifetime--Visit to Frederick the Great--Bach’s sight fails--Final illness and death-- Notice in the _Leipsic Chronicle_--The Council--Fate of the widow and daughter 84

CHAPTER VIII

The Cantatas and the Chorale 91

CHAPTER IX

The Matthew Passion and B Minor Mass 114

CHAPTER X

The Wohltemperirte Clavier--The Art of Fugue--The Musical Offering-- Bach as a teacher--Bach’s works in England 131

CHAPTER XI

The Christmas Oratorio--The Magnificat--The lost works--Instrumental works--Bach’s playing--The Manieren or grace notes 144

CHAPTER XII

Innovations in the fingering and use of keyed and stringed instruments 152

CHAPTER XIII

The organs in Leipsic churches--Bach’s method of accompanying--The pitch of organs 160