This series looks at the influences and historical events that shaped the lives of the great composers. Illustrated in full color, making use of contemporary works of art, these books provide an essential introduction to the lives of those who produced some of the world's most enduring music. Johan Sebastian Bach lived in a world where musicians were servant-craftmen. He wrote music for his masters, both in the palaces and in the town councils of '18th century Germany. While wars shaped Europe around him, Bach battled with stubborn councillors and incompentent musicians in his search for perfection. After his death, fashion moved on, and for a while Bach was almost forgotten. Now, his work has established him as one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time.
