Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 21 March 1685 O.S. in Eisenach, Germany, as the youngest child of Johann Ambrosius Bach, a city musician. The Bach family had a long tradition of musicianship, and after losing both parents by the age of 10, Bach lived with his eldest brother, Johann Christoph, who was an organist. He studied music and copied scores, despite restrictions on the sharing of music. In 1700, he began his formal education at St. Michael's School in Lüneburg, where he sang in the choir and received organ lessons.In 1703, Bach became a court musician in Weimar, where he gained recognition as a keyboardist. He later served as the organist at the New Church in Arnstadt and then at the Blasius Church in Mühlhausen, where he composed his first cantata. In 1708, he returned to Weimar as organist and Konzertmeister, where he composed many keyboard and orchestral works, influenced by Italian styles. His tenure ended in 1717 when he was dismissed after a conflict with the duke.Bach then became Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen, where he focused on secular music, including the Brandenburg Concertos and cello suites. In 1723, he was appointed Thomaskantor in Leipzig, responsible for music at several churches and the St. Thomas School. He composed over 300 cantatas during his time in Leipzig, many based on Lutheran hymns, and began to publish his organ and keyboard music.Throughout his career, Bach faced challenges with his employers, particularly in Leipzig, where he had conflicts with the city council. Despite these difficulties, he received the title of court composer from Augustus III of Poland in 1736. In his later years, Bach reworked many of his earlier compositions and continued to compose significant works, including the Mass in B minor and The Art of Fugue.Bach's music is characterized by intricate counterpoint, harmonic innovation, and a deep integration of various musical styles. He composed extensively for organ, keyboard, and orchestral instruments, producing a vast array of sacred and secular works. His compositions include cantatas, passions, oratorios, and instrumental music, showcasing his mastery of form and structure.Bach died on 28 July 1750, following complications from eye surgery. His music was not widely recognized during his lifetime, but his reputation grew significantly in the 19th century, leading to the Bach Revival. His works have since been celebrated as some of the greatest in Western music history, influencing countless composers and musicians across generations.