is the son of Johann Ambrosius. For many years, members of

the Bach family had held positions such as organists, town instrumentalists, or Cantors.

When Bach was eight years old he went to the old Latin Grammar School. He was taught reading and writing, Latin grammar, and a great deal of scripture, both in Latin and German. The boys in the school formed the choir of the St. Georgenkirche. This also gave Bach an opportunity to sing in the regular services, as well as in the nearby villages. He has an uncommonly fine treble voice.

During this period Bach attended the Gymnasium of Ohrdruf, which had become one of the most progressive schools in Germany. He had made great progress in Latin, Greek, theology, and had reached the top form at a very early age.

It was his excellent soprano voice that found Bach a position in the choir of the wealthy Michaelis monastery at Luneburg, which was known to provide a free place for boys who were poor but had musical talent.

The court orchestra consisted of twenty-two players. Bach’s function was mainly a violinist, however he also played harpsichord. Bach, on occasion, wrote some of the music that was played. During this period he wrote strictly for the organ, and he was rapidly becoming known throughout the country. As time went on, people were coming to see him far and wide.

Bach had overworked in poor light throughout his life, and his eyesight now began to fail him. On the advice of his friends, Bach put himself in the hands of a visiting celebrated English ophthalmic specialist, John Taylor(who also operated on Handel). Two cataract operations were performed on his eyes, and their weakening effect was aggravated by a following infection.

By now Bach had high ideals for the church music of Germany. He began organizing the rather poor facilities of Muhlhausen; he started by making a large collection of the best German music available, including some of his own. The first result of these efforts was his cantata ‘Gott ist mein Konig’. This, incidentally, was the

Some topics in this essay:
Arnstadt October, Latin Greek, John Taylorwho, Musical Offering, Bach Muhlhausen, Georgenkirche Bach, Grimma Gate, Grammar School, Ambrosius Bach, Sebastian Bach, latin grammar,