• Learn More About J. S. Bach

Grade 3, Unit 5, Lesson 4

Besides being a famous composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was a pretty interesting fellow. Try this multiple-choice question about Bach.

Which of these things are true about Bach?
A. Bach had twenty children.
B. Bach once spent a month in jail.
C. Bach composed over 1000 pieces.
D. All of the above

If you said "All of the above," then you're right! All of these things are actually true. Bach is one of the most famous composers of all time from Europe. He was born in 1685 in Eisenach, Germany and died in 1750. Bach spent most of his life as the music director and organist for churches. Back then, church music directors had to compose new music for almost every service.

Bach wrote many different types of music, such as pieces for organ, orchestras, choirs, and solo singers. Bach's beautiful music is still performed all over the world. Today, students who want to learn how to compose must study rules that Bach helped to create.

Want to find out why Bach spent a month in jail? Click here to read all about it and to hear one of his most famous compositions.