Johann Michael Bach

Full biography Johann Michael Bach

Johann Michael Bach was a German composer and musician who lived from 1648 to 1694. He was born in Arnstadt, Germany and was the oldest Bach to become a professional musician. He was a respected musician in his lifetime but his music fell into obscurity after his death and his legacy was overshadowed by his more famous relatives, such as Johann Sebastian Bach.

Johann Michael Bach was born into a musical family and received his early musical education from his father. He also studied with Johann Christoph Bach and Heinrich Bach, who were both his cousins. He began his career as a court musician in Arnstadt and later worked at the court of the Duke of Saxe-Eisenach in the town of Gehren. He also served as the organist at the St. George's Church in Eisenach.

Johann Michael Bach was known for his church music, particularly his chorale preludes and sacred cantatas. Some of his most famous compositions include his chorale prelude "Jesu, meine Freude" and his cantata "Halt, was du hast". His music was heavily influenced by the works of Heinrich Schütz and Johann Jakob Froberger.

Despite his success during his lifetime, Johann Michael Bach's music was largely forgotten after his death. It wasn't until the 20th century that his compositions began to be rediscovered and appreciated. Today, Johann Michael Bach is recognized as an important figure in the history of Baroque music and his works continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.