Bach was born at Eisenach, in central Germany, on March 21, 1685. His family had been musicians for several generations, and his father's cousin, Johann Christoph Bach (1642-1703), was a prominent composer. Bach's parents died before he was 10 years old, and he went to live with his oldest brother. His brother taught him how to play the harpsichord and the clavicord, instruments which preceded the piano.

Johann Sebastian Bach, (1685-1750), is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. He not only completely mastered every style practiced in his own day, but he also looked toward the future. For this reason, the way in which he composed has inspired musicians of today. During Bach's lifetime, he was more famous as an organist than he was as a composer. His major works were not often performed until many years after his death.

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