Johann Sebastian Bach Family Tree: The Story Behind Brandenburg Concertos

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), born 31 March 1685 (21 March OS) in Eisenach, Duchy of Saxe-Eisenach, and died 28 July 1750 in Leipzig, was the Baroque era's supreme composer and organist — 1000+ works: Brandenburg Concertos, Well-Tempered Clavier (48 preludes and fugues), Mass in B Minor, St. Matthew Passion, Goldberg Variations, Cello Suites, 200+ cantatas; from the most-productive musical dynasty in Western music.

The Family's Roots: The Bach Musical Dynasty

8 generations of Bach musicians (18th century) — the family produced 50+ known professional musicians.

His Parents

Father: Johann Ambrosius Bach (1645–1695) — Eisenach town musician.

Mother: Maria Elisabeth Lämmerhirt Bach (1644–1694) — died when JS was 9.

His Siblings

Johann Sebastian was youngest of 8 children. Notable: Johann Christoph Bach (1671–1721) — elder brother, JS's teacher after parents died.

His First Wife: Maria Barbara Bach

Maria Barbara Bach (1684–1720) — his second cousin. Married on 17 October 1707 in Dornheim; died 1720.

His Second Wife: Anna Magdalena Wilcke

Anna Magdalena Wilcke Bach (1701–1760) — court singer. Married Bach on 3 December 1721.

His Children (with Maria Barbara)

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784) — composer.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788) — famous composer (major transition to Classical era).

Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach (1732–1795) — composer.

His Children (with Anna Magdalena)

Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782) — "London Bach"; tutored young Mozart.

Plus 15+ children in total by both wives — 7 of Bach's 20 children survived to adulthood.

The Bach Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Johann Ambrosius Bach (1645–1695).

Mother: Maria Elisabeth Lämmerhirt (1644–1694).

Elder Brother/Teacher: Johann Christoph Bach (1671–1721).

First Wife: Maria Barbara Bach (1684–1720; m. 17 October 1707).

Second Wife: Anna Magdalena Wilcke (1701–1760; m. 3 December 1721).

Children: 20 total, 7 survived to adulthood; 4 became famous composers (Wilhelm Friedemann, C.P.E., J.C.F., Johann Christian).

Johann Sebastian Bach:

  • Born 31 March 1685, Eisenach
  • Parents dead by age 10; raised by brother Johann Christoph
  • Organist at Arnstadt (1703), Mühlhausen (1707), Weimar (1708-17)
  • Kapellmeister at Cöthen 1717-1723
  • Cantor of St. Thomas, Leipzig 1723-1750
  • Died: 28 July 1750, Leipzig — age 65

What the Bach Family Story Teaches Us

Both parents lost by age 10. An elder brother who raised and taught him. Two marriages. 20 children — 7 survived to adulthood, 4 became famous composers. A career that produced 1000+ works and continued the family's 8-generation musical dynasty.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bach story carries the same lesson. Some families produce professional musicians across 8 generations.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.