Johann Bernhard Bach

Johann Bernhard Bach The Older* was a German composer born in Erfurt (23 May 1676) and died in Eisenach (11 June 1749) and second grade cousin of J. S. Bach.

His early musical education was by his father, Johann Aegidius Bach. He took up his position as organist in Erfurt in 1695, and then took a similar position in Magdeburg. He replaced Johann Christoph Bach as organist in Eisenach, and also as harpsichordist in the court orchestra in 1703. Most of his musical output has been lost, but amongst his surviving music there are four orchestral suites. It is known that J.S. Bach had individual parts prepared for performance by his orchestra.

* Johann Bernhard Bach the Younger (* November 24, 1700 in Ohrdruf, † June 12, 1743 Ohrdruf), a nephew of Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and organist of the Bach family. Since 1715 he worked as a copyist for his uncle. In 1721 he succeeded his father, Johann Christoph Bach in the office of organist at St. Michael in Ohrdruf. From him only some key works have survived, all other works are lost.