Johann Sebastian Bach, a name synonymous with Baroque music, left an indelible mark on classical music history. His life, filled with passion, defiance, and innovation, is as captivating as his compositions. From his tumultuous early career and infamous confrontations to the creation of the Brandenburg Concertos, Bach’s journey offers fascinating stories of ambition and genius. Dive into the remarkable episodes that shaped this legendary composer, whose works continue to inspire and resonate centuries later.
1. The Arnstadt Scuffle and the Unapproved Journey to Lübeck
In 1703, when Johann Sebastian Bach was just 18, he secured his first major position as the organist of the New Church in Arnstadt. It was an important role, especially for someone so young, as it allowed Bach to showcase his talents and build his reputation. His incredible skill on the organ quickly drew admiration, and he began to experiment with complex compositions that both delighted and confounded his listeners. Bach’s ambition to push musical boundaries, however, didn’t always sit well with his conservative superiors.
The turning point came in 1705, when Bach requested a leave of absence to visit the renowned organist and composer Dieterich Buxtehude in Lübeck. The journey to Lübeck was arduous, nearly 250 miles, and Bach traveled the entire distance on foot, demonstrating his extraordinary commitment to learning from Buxtehude, whom he considered a master of his craft. Originally, his church superiors had granted him a four-week leave. However, Bach ended up staying with Buxtehude for over three months, thoroughly studying Buxtehude’s organ techniques, compositions, and improvisational style, which would later influence his own works deeply.
When Bach finally returned to Arnstadt in early 1706, he faced a severe reprimand. Not only had he overstayed his leave, but his playing style had also changed—dramatically. Inspired by Buxtehude’s complex style, Bach began incorporating elaborate ornamentation and intricate musical structures into his performances. Church authorities, however, were not pleased with these changes. They expected a more traditional style for their worship services, and Bach’s new approach was seen as disruptive.
The tension culminated in a notable episode with one of Bach’s choir students, a bassoonist named Johann Heinrich Geyersbach. Apparently, Bach had openly criticized Geyersbach’s playing, referring to him as a “Zippel Fagottist” (a derogatory term suggesting he was a subpar bassoon player). Geyersbach confronted Bach, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation in the street. Authorities were once again called to intervene, questioning Bach’s behavior and demanding explanations.
This series of incidents reflects Bach’s unyielding passion for music and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He was not content to conform to the rigid expectations of his role; instead, he sought inspiration from masters of the time, pushing the boundaries of his art, even if it meant clashing with authority. The "Arnstadt Scuffle," as it's often called, marks an early example of Bach’s dedication to musical innovation, his uncompromising standards, and his willingness to defy convention—a theme that would follow him throughout his career.
2. The Creation and Near-Loss of the Brandenburg Concertos
In 1717, Bach took up a prestigious position as Kapellmeister (court music director) for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen. Prince Leopold was a passionate music lover and supported Bach’s creative ambitions, allowing him to explore various musical forms and develop complex compositions. During this time, Bach produced some of his most beloved instrumental works.
In 1719, Bach met Christian Ludwig, the Margrave of Brandenburg, at the princely court in Berlin. The Margrave was so taken by Bach’s musicianship that he requested compositions from him, an invitation that Bach, ever the industrious composer, took very seriously. In response, Bach worked meticulously to create a set of six concertos, each with unique instrumentation and groundbreaking musical ideas. This collection, known today as the Brandenburg Concertos, stands as one of Bach’s most monumental achievements in the concerto genre.
Each concerto in the set was uniquely structured to highlight different instruments and orchestral configurations, a daring and inventive approach. For instance, the fifth concerto includes a lengthy harpsichord solo—unheard of at the time—as well as an unusual combination of flute, violin, and harpsichord as soloists, demonstrating Bach’s willingness to break conventions. The sixth concerto, on the other hand, omits violins entirely, focusing instead on the lower-register instruments like violas and cellos, creating a rich, warm texture that was highly unconventional.
In 1721, Bach sent the concertos to the Margrave, with a dedication page written in highly respectful, flowery language typical of the time. In this dedication, he modestly offered the compositions as "the work of one who is most devoted to Your Highness’s service" and expressed a hope that they would “find a place in Your Highness's favor.” Unfortunately, the Margrave showed little interest in these works; the concertos were neither performed nor acknowledged by him. Historians believe that the Margrave, who was not a particularly skilled musician, may not have fully appreciated the complexity and genius of Bach’s compositions.
After Bach’s death, the Brandenburg Concertos were almost lost to history. They languished in the Margrave's library, unperformed and unnoticed, until they were rediscovered over a century later in 1849. By sheer luck, the scores had survived, allowing later generations to recognize their brilliance. Today, the Brandenburg Concertos are celebrated as masterpieces of the Baroque period, showcasing Bach’s innovation, musical intellect, and his ability to marry technical precision with expressive depth.
These episodes capture two sides of Bach: the passionate, defiant young organist willing to defy authority in pursuit of excellence, and the meticulous, ambitious composer whose work would endure centuries after his death. His life, as much as his music, reflects a relentless pursuit of beauty and complexity, often against challenging odds.
