Jan Bach

Full biography Jan Bach

Jan Bach was an esteemed American composer, known for his unique contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Born on July 27, 1937, in Indiana, Bach began his music career at a young age, mastering the piano and trumpet before eventually taking up composition.

Bach earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in composition from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. A major influence on Bach's work was Vincent Persichetti, who was his mentor during his time at the Juilliard School of Music.

Bach was known for his versatility as a composer, producing works for a variety of ensembles, including chamber music, orchestral, choral, and solo piano. His compositions were characterized by their inventive use of tonality and rhythm, which often blended traditional classical styles with modern influences.

One of Bach's most notable works is "Laudes", a composition for solo trumpet that has become a staple of the trumpet repertoire. It was commissioned by the International Trumpet Guild for its annual conference and premiered in 1979. The piece received widespread critical acclaim and has been performed by many leading classical trumpet players.

Throughout his career, Bach's work earned numerous accolades, including several awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and a National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship. Bach was also a prolific educator, teaching at Eastern Illinois University and the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.

Jan Bach passed away on May 1, 2017, at the age of 79. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire and influence contemporary classical music today.