Johann Sebastian Bach

portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach in 1748, by E. G. Haussmann, Bach-Archiv Leipzig, bequeathed there by William H. Scheide

Date of Birth: 21 March, 1685 (O.S.); 31 March 1685 (N.S.)

Place of Birth: Eisenach, Thuringia, Germany

Date of Death: July 28, 1750

Place of Death: Leipzig, Saxony, Germany

Ethnicity: German

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician. He is known for his work in the Baroque period.

He was the son of Maria Elisabetha Lämmerhirt and Johann Ambrosius Bach, a musician. His uncle was musician Johann Christoph Bach. Johann was first married to Maria Barbara Bach, until her death; she was his second cousin, and her father was composer Johann Michael Bach. He was then married Anna Magdalena Wilcke/Wilcken, until his death. He had seven children with Maria and thirteen with Anna.

Johann’s paternal grandfather was Christoph Bach (the son of Johannes/Hans Bach and Anna Schmied). Christoph was born in Wechmar, Deutschland, Günthersleben-Wechmar, Thüringen, and was also a Baroque musician. He was the brother of composers Johann Bach and Heinrich Bach. Johann’s great-grandfather Johannes was the son of Veit/Vitus Bach, who was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, likely of German descent.

Johann’s paternal grandmother was named Maria Magdalena Grabler. Maria Magdalena was born in Prettin, Saxony.

Johann’s maternal grandfather was named Valentin Lämmerhirt (the son of Valentin Lämmerhirt).

Johann’s maternal grandmother was named Hedwig.

Sources: Genealogy of Johann Sebastian Bach – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Johann Sebastian Bach (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.wikitree.com