� Johann Sebastian Bach
� Personal Background




Born 1685 in Eisenach, Germany; died 1750 in Leipzig.
Orphaned at age 10 and raised by elder brother Johann Christoph Bach.
Held posts in Arnstadt, Mühlhausen, Weimar, Köthen, and Leipzig.
Appointed Cantor at the Thomasschule in Leipzig in 1723, overseeing music in four
churches.
� Musical Style and Innovations




Combined German counterpoint, Italian expressivity, and French ornamentation.
Master of fugue, chorale harmonisation, and text-based sacred music.
Used symbolic numerology (e.g. 14 = B+A+C+H) and text painting in cantatas.
Explored structural balance and emotional depth through form and modulation.
� Context for the Set Work




Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (BWV 80) is a chorale cantata for Reformation Day.
Uses Martin Luther’s hymn as melodic and textual foundation.
Written c.1727–1735 in Leipzig, revised from earlier lost version BWV 80a.
Features chorale fantasia, imitative counterpoint, and homophonic chorale settings.
🏛️ Historical Significance




Revived by Felix Mendelssohn in the 19th century after posthumous neglect.
Model for composers from Mozart to Schoenberg in structure and theology.
Foundation of modern harmony, analysis, and Baroque choral tradition.
Often regarded as the most important figure in Western classical music.
� Further Research



Used the inscription 'S.D.G.' (Soli Deo Gloria) at the end of manuscripts.
Christoph Wolff’s biography explores Bach’s theology and compositional choices.
Manuscript shows evolution from BWV 80a; movement 5 added later.