Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

    Regarded as one of the greatest composers in all music history, J.S. Bach is best known for his mastery of counterpoint within the tonal system. A prominent organist and musical director, J.S. Bach spent much of his life composing sacred music at his posts in various churches around Leipzig, Germany. He composed in all genres with the exception of opera, creating such timeless works as St. Matthew Passion, Kunst der Fuge, Brandenburg Concerti, and a vast amount of chorale preludes. Bach's compositional method set the standards for later composers including Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms.