Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Synopsis

German composer, organist, and teacher

• Born on November 22, 1710 in Weimar, Germany
• 1717-23 attended the Lutheran Lateinschule in Cothen
• 1720 started his music education under his Father J. S. Bach
• 1723 he became a day-boy at Thomasschule in Leipzig
• 1725 composed his first compostions
• 1729 March he was registered as a depositus at Leipzig University
• 1730 he gained a reputation as a virtuoso organist and harpsichordist
• 1730 took over the teaching of Christoph Nichelmann
• 1731 failed in competeing for a organ post at Halberstadt
• 1733 He got the organist post at the Dresden Sophienkirche
• 1746 He was appointed the organist at the Liebfrauenkirche in Halle, Germany
• 1751 married Dorothea Elisabeth Georgi
• Taught while he was in Halle
• 1753 applied to the post of organist at Johanniskirche in Zittau unsuccessfullly
• 1758 & 1759 applied for the Kapellmeister in Frankfurt unsuccessfully
• 1762 In negotiations for the posion of Hofkapellmeister in Darmstadt
• 1764 he left Halle and taught lessons to try to survive though his situation was deterioting
• 1774 moved to Berlin
• In his later years he performed on many occasions.
• Died on July 1, 1784 in Berlin, Germany and left his wife and daughter in poverty

He composed most of his life and was known for being a great organ virtuoso and improviser. His music reflects virtuostic tendencies, melodic phrasings, contrapuntal and imitative development. He is known for losing most of his father's works that he inherited.

For details, see the Wikipedia article on Wilhelm Friedemann Bach.

List of Organ Works

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Background and General Perspectives on Performing Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Organ Works

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Registration and Organs

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Fingering and Pedaling

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Articulation and Phrasing

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Ornamentation

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Tempo and Meter

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Scores and Editions

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Recordings

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Free Online

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Complete Organ Works I, performed by Leo Van Doeselaar

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Other Resources

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Notes

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