Johann Sebastian Bach

composer · baroque · classical music · genius

Wrote for everything. Bach composed music for orchestras, solo instruments like violin and cello, keyboards, organs, and choirs. He basically mastered every type of music-making available in his time.

Master of patterns. Bach was famous for counterpoint, a tricky technique where multiple melodies weave together perfectly, like musical braids. His most famous works, like The Art of Fugue, showcase this mind-bending skill.

Super productive. Bach created over 1,000 pieces during his lifetime, from short keyboard exercises to massive choral works like the St. Matthew Passion that can last hours.

Revival star. For a while after he died, people forgot how great Bach was. Then in 1829, a composer named Felix Mendelssohn performed one of his big choral works and everyone remembered: Bach was incredible.

History's best. Today, Bach is considered one of the greatest composers who ever lived, and his music is still played and loved by millions of people around the world.