Training and Influences of J. S. Bach

Question

Johann Sebastian Bach is undoubtedly among the most celebrated of Baroque composers, and to many the great composer in all history. The era of the late 17th and early 18th centuries in which he lived, however, means that his life was not as well documented as (say) Beethoven's was.

In particular, I am interested in the following points relating to his musical career and pursuits:

• Bach came from a family of notable amateur and professional musicians. Was he exposed greatly to instruments/musical theory/composition at a young age?

• What sort of formal training and musical education did Bach undergo?

• Was he self-taught in one or more areas of theory/composition/performance?

• Bach's style is often said to blend North & South German with Italian (and even French) styles to varying degrees. Did any in particular dominate him? How did he acquaint himself with such a wide range of music at the time?

• Which contemporary/past composers did Bach most admire, and which influenced his own music most? (I am aware he transcribed many of Antonio Vivaldi's pieces, and was also familiar with Buxtehude's work.)

How much do we know about these things? Or if little, does anyone perhaps have any educated opinions in these respects?

Answer 1

About his development as a composer and the links with his 2 older brothers Johann-Christof and Johann-Jacob.

Yes JS was exposed very early to music, music practice and various instruments. He and his brothers were expected to master various instruments and to play ex tempore and generally become proficient in the family's trade, go to other members of the family who could help them secure jobs and teach them new things, but they also were schooled in education institutions of their time and place. Johann-Jacob was centered on wind instruments (flute, oboe) like their father. Johann-Christof was essentially an organist. Johann-Sebastian is known to have been a good singer when young and good at all keyboard instruments but also at the violin and viola.

The three brothers lived together with their uncle for some time when their father died but could not stay close together as they began their professional career and their uncle died as well. We know about a visit of JS to Ohrdruf where JC was installed and married, and the Capricio was probably written on the occasion of Jacob's departure for Sweden.

Johann Sebastian composed a piece for keyboard which is not often recorded. Capricio "On the departure of his beloved brother" BWV 992 (original title in Italian). This is a remarkable piece, in 6 very contrasted movements, showing the very extended composition skills of the young Bach, in different moods and styles, external imitation, counterpoint, themes transformation.

Everyone interested in Bach's development should hear it and look at the score. The composition date is accepted as before 1705 (when JS was 20) and probably 1704, recycling in parts some older ideas. It shows a young adult Bach ready to explore or illustrate many paths he would not later pursue.

The kind of works Bach composed were closely linked, over all his life, to the job position he had and the fancy of his masters.

Answer 2

Bach received instruction form his older brother, who was a student of Pachelbel.

Bach copied a lot of music of other composers: Buxtehude (famously), Couperin, Frescobaldi, Kerl, Froberger, Pachelbel and many others.

Regarding the wide range of influences from German (both North and South), Italian and French music, I don't know that it was that unusual. His brother probably introduced him to that range.