Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer and organist whose output spans virtually every major Baroque genre - from cantatas and passions to concertos, keyboard suites and organ works. He served as Thomaskantor in Leipzig from 1723 until his death, producing an enormous body of sacred music that includes the St Matthew Passion, the Mass in B minor and hundreds of cantatas. His mastery of counterpoint and harmonic invention set a standard that composers from Mozart to Brahms openly acknowledged, and his music remains the most-streamed of any classical composer on Spotify today.
Bach's 340th birthday on 21 March 2025 was marked by concerts and events worldwide, including a dedicated festival in Leipzig at St Thomas's Church where he is buried.
The album BACHannalia, recorded in celebration of Bach's 340th anniversary, was released on Navona Records in March 2025 and submitted for Grammy consideration.
A new Chicago ensemble, Bach in the City - heir to the 50-year Bach Week Festival - launched its inaugural season with a concert marking Bach's 340th birthday.
A concert dedicated to Bach's 340th anniversary was held at the Chamber and Organ Music Hall in Baku, featuring German performer Leonard Shik.
Bach in the City presented what it believes to be the first Chicago performance of any version of Bach's St Mark Passion, using Malcolm Bruno's reconstruction of the lost 1731 score.
