(1685-1750)
The German composer Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most important figures in the history of Western music, having left an amazing quantity of choral works and instrumental music to posterity. His music is also a frequent source of inspiration for choreographers. The most influential member of the musical Bach family, he was born in Eisenach, the youngest of eight siblings. Although music was an integral part of his life from childhood, he largely taught himself how to compose music and play the organ. He worked in a number of German cities before eventually settling down in 1723 in Leipzig, where he spent the rest of his life. He was respected by his contemporaries as a superb performer, teacher, composer and organ builder.