Bach graduated in 1703, and over the next several years he took positions at several churches. In 1708, he became the court organist in Weimer and later the courtmaster for Duke Wilheim. In these positions for the ruling elite, Bach had the opportunity to compose many works, which helped him hone his style and technique. In 1723, he took a position as organist and teacher at St. Thomas Church. There, he composed mostly religious works, including a few masses, even though Bach himself was Lutheran.
Bach: Fugue in D Minor
Bach: Sonata in G Minor
Bach: Air from Suite in C Minor
By 1749, Bach began to experience failing eyesight. A renowned British eye surgeon performed corrective surgery on the composer, but the results were not as hoped for as he was completely blind after the surgery. He died in 1750 at the age of sixty-five from what may have been a stroke complicated by pneumonia.
Bach's work can be separated into three different stages. His early work (from about 1708 to 1717) includes most of Bach's organ music. His middle work (from about 1718 to 1723) includes many of Bach's instrumental works. His late work (from 1724 to 1750) includes most of his sacred choral music. Throughout his life, Bach composed music that was almost mathematically precise. In other words, Bach's works have a technical mastery that many other composers could only hope for.
Many scholars have argued that Bach's 'Air' from the Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major is one of the pieces that best exemplifies his work. This piece of music has remained popular and it is likely that at least some of you will recognize the music. It showcases both Bach's technical precision and the beautiful melodies that he created in his work.
Another characteristic of Bach's compositions is that he tended to write out the details of the melodic notation. Some composers during the Baroque period would write down the basic notations on the melody, giving musicians and singers the ability to add embellishments of their own to the music. Bach, however, tended to write out most of the notations in his scores. Some scholars have suggested that this gave Bach greater control over the complex textures and embellishments that he added to his music. Yet, Bach also tended to leave some of the instrumental notations more basic in his work, particularly some of the longer pieces.