Read a timeline of Bach's life and find out when he composed his major works. Photo of Bach's birthplace in Eisenach.
Bach born in Eisenach, 21 March
Enrols at Lateinschule, Eisenach
Bach's father dies; Bach moves to school at Ohrdruf
Bach enrols at the Michaelisschule, Lüneburg
Bach secures organist's post at the Neue Kirche, Arnstadt
Bach makes extended visit to Lübeck to hear Buxtehude
Bach appointed organist at Mühlhausen; marries his niece, Maria
Bach appointed organist and chamber musician at Weimar
Bach's son Wilhelm Friedemann born
Cantata No 208 performed; begins composing the Orgelbüchlein
Bach appointed Kapellmeister at Cöthen
Death of Bach's wife Maria; Sonatas and Partitas composed
Bach marries Anna Magdalena. Brandenburg Concertos performed
Bach appointed Kantor at the Thomaskirche, Leipzig
St Matthew Passion performed in Leipzig on 11 April
Rebuilt Thomasschule opens. St John Passion performed
Christmas Oratorio Parts 1-3 performed
Publication of the Clavierübung Part III
Goldberg Variations published
The Musical Offering is published
Completion of the B Minor Mass
Working on The Art of Fugue, Bach dies on 28 July
Browse the complete list of works, and read intros to each of the genre areas
Find out more about the man and his music
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