Bach

This biography paints a vivid portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach by tracing the remarkable musical lineage that shaped his world. Beginning with his great‑grandfather Veit Bach, a baker‑miller who turned his evenings to the cithara, the narrative follows a family whose talent rippled through generations of Thuringian townsfolk, from itinerant violinists to church organists. The author weaves together early records, family anecdotes, and recent scholarly discoveries to show how Bach’s upbringing in a household where music was as essential as daily work set the stage for his own genius.

The first part of the book moves beyond genealogy to Bach’s own childhood, his schooling in Ohrdruf, and his first appointments as a young organist. Through lively descriptions of the modest homes, churches, and instruments that surrounded him, listeners gain a sense of the environment that nurtured his prodigious skill. The portrait balances scholarly detail with accessible storytelling, inviting anyone curious about the roots of one of history’s greatest composers.