
Translator’s Preface
Johann Sebastian Bach - Chapter I A Friend in Need
Chapter II In the World
Chapter III The First Step to Fame
Chapter IV The New Life
Chapter V A Musical Tournament
Chapter VI Life and Work in Leipsic
Chapter VII “He shall stand before Kings”
Chapter VIII The Last of Earth
Appendix
Through the eyes of a young, grieving musician, this biography follows the early years of one of history’s greatest composers. It paints a vivid picture of a humble organist whose relentless work ethic and deep faith shaped a body of music that still defines the Western canon. Readers see how his responsibilities as a father, a citizen, and a devout church servant intertwined with his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. The narrative underscores how his modest upbringing and unpretentious character forged a legacy that inspired later masters and continues to guide aspiring artists today.
In the opening scene, a teenage Bach sits on a stone step, tears flowing as the funeral music of his brother swells around him. A compassionate friend arrives, offering comfort and a comment about the poorly played violin, revealing both the boy’s sensitivity and the supportive community around him. Their exchange, set against the melancholy strains of the organ, introduces the emotional depth that will fuel his future compositions. The story invites listeners to walk alongside him as he transforms personal loss into a lifelong devotion to music.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (145K characters)
Series
Life Stories for Young People
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of public domain works put online by Harvard University Library's Open Collections Program.)
Release date
2021-07-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1823–1895
A German educator, writer, and editor, he is remembered for lively biographical and cultural writing, including work that helped introduce major musical figures to wider readers.
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