Johann Sebastian Bach was born in 1685 in Einsach, Thuringa (in what is now Germany). His family was a musical one,
his father was a good violinist and trumpeter - having the post of court trumpeter and director of town music in Einsach.

    By the time Bach was ten, both his parents had died, and he was adopted by his eldest brother, Christoph, organist of
the Michaeliskriche in Ohdruf, a small town near Einsach. Here, Christoph exerted a profound influence on Sebastian. He taught him to play keyboard instruments and introduced him to the technique needed in music copying. During this time, Sebastian gained practical influence experience in organ-building, since the organ at Michaeliskriche was repaired under Christoph's supervision.

    Bach was a universal musician, and his contrapuntal music, though steeped in the flavour of his period, has emotional depth and universal appeal.