Johann Sebastian Bach – Leipzig's music director and St. Thomas choirmaster

Bach worked in Leipzig from 1723 until his death in 1750. During this time, he was responsible for the church services and ecclesiastical festivities at both the St. Nicholas and St. Thomas churches.

In addition, he also served at the "director musices" (musical director) of the city, and organised many secular events. He was head of the Collegium musicum, an association for professional artists and musical students, for many years. He was also invited to organ exams in many cities, where he had a chance to show off his virtuoso skills.

Many of the choirmaster's important compositions were created in Leipzig, including several years worth of sacred cantatas, the St. John and St. Matthew passions, the Christmas Oratorio, the Art of Fugue and the Mass in B minor. Since the 19th century, Leipzig has been home to many efforts around the exploration and interpretations of Bach's compositions. Several institutions, associations and competitions have been created around this work.

Many of Luther's hymns used by Johann Sebastian Bach as the basis for polyphonic choral settings and organ arrangements, which, to this day, have maintained their charm. Discover even more connections between the work of Bach and Luther in this flyer.

• In the footsteps of Luther and Bach, German (PDF 2.00 MB)