Which Famous Composer had 20 Children, Including Five Boys Named After Him?

Although Johann Sebastian Bach passed away on July 28, 1750, his family and musical legacy endure. The Bachs are often regarded as some of the most talented North German composers and performers of the Baroque period.

While Bach was hailed as a brilliant harpsichordist, organist, and specialist in organ building during his lifetime, modern music scholars rank him among the greatest composers of all time. When it came to his family, the Bachs were already rather famous.

However, Bach created a familial heirloom that lives on in our memories. Throughout his life, Johann was married twice. With Maria Barbara, he wed for the first time in 1707 and stayed married until 1720. Bach married Anna Magdalena a year after Barbara, in 1721; the couple remained together for the next 29 years, until 1750.

The fact that Bach managed to produce over twenty offspring throughout this time is remarkable in and of itself. In light of this, we’ll be taking a close look at each kid individually. So, with that out of the way, let’s dive in:

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Johann Sebastian Bach stands tall in the annals of music history, not just for his extraordinary compositions but also for his intriguing personal life. The Baroque maestro’s life was as intricate as his fugues, filled with harmonious highs and melancholic lows.

Which Famous Composer had 20 Children

1. Catharine Dorothea Bach (1708 – 1774)

Catharina Dorothea Bach was born to Bach in 1708, when Bach was only 23 years old. Catharina exhibited her prowess in singing because, at the time, there were no opportunities for women in the field of composition.

2. Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann (1710 – 1784)

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann’s eldest son, was born only two years after Catharina. Wilhelm learns a lot about music from his famous father, therefore he goes on to become a successful composer.

His Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach demonstrates his mastery of keyboard studies. Of course, his skill as an organist was remarkable, but he is most remembered as a teacher of Johann Gottlieb Goldberg.

3. & 4. Maria Sophia Bach and Johann Christoph Bach (Born and died in 1713)

There were twins among Johann Bach’s offspring, his third and fourth. They were born on February 23, 1713, but sadly only lived a few hours and a few weeks before passing away.

5. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714 – 1788)

There is little doubt that among J.S. Bach’s children, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was the most talented. Carl was one of the greatest composers of all time, with a special knack for symphonies, the piano, and choral music.

Carl’s early exposure to the baroque era prepared him to become one of Europe’s premier clavier players. Carl was not just a prodigy on the musical front but also a savvy legal mind.

6. Johann Sebastian Bach (1715 – 1739)

7. Leopold Auguste Bach, No. 7 (1718 – 1719)

8. Christina Sophia Henrietta (1723 – 1726) (1723 – 1726)

9. Gottfried (1724 – 1763)

10. Christian-Gustav Bach (1725 – 1728)

11. Elisabeth Juliana Friederica (1726 – 1781)

12. Ernestus Andreas Bach (Born and died in 1727) (Born and died in 1727)

13. Regina Johanna Bach (1728 – 1733)

14. Christiana Benedicta Louise (Born and died in 1730)

15. Christiana Dorotea Bach (1731 – 1732)

16. Christoph Friedrich Bach (1732 – 1795)

17. Johann August Abraham Bach (Born and died in 1733)

18. Christian Bach, Johann (1735 – 1782)

19. Johana Carolina Bach, Age 19 (1737 – 1781)

20. Regina Susanna Bach (1742 – 1809)

Both of Bach’s remaining daughters made it to maturity, although neither of them settled down with a spouse. In contrast to the mystery that surrounds Johanna, it is common knowledge that Regina is well-versed in the works of Beethoven.

A Composer with a Large Family

A question that often arises about Bach is, which famous composer had 20 children? The answer is none other than Johann Sebastian Bach himself. Over his lifetime, Bach fathered 20 children, though sadly, many did not survive into adulthood.

Prolific in Work and Family Life

It’s awe-inspiring to consider that the same composer who had such an extensive family also penned over 1000 pieces. From cantatas and oratorios to instrumental works, Bach’s oeuvre is vast, touching on nearly every musical form of his era.

Bach’s Illustrious Career

Born in 1685 in Eisenach, Germany, Johann Sebastian Bach’s music career was almost predestined, given the musical inclination of the Bach family.

Over his lifetime, he held positions at various courts and churches, leaving an indelible mark with his intricate compositions that showcased his unparalleled skill in counterpoint, harmony, and motif development.

Noteworthy Compositions

Bach’s repertoire is vast, but some of his most renowned works include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B minor, the St. Matthew Passion, and the Goldberg Variations. His pieces, particularly those for keyboard like the Well-Tempered Clavier, are pivotal in the Western classical music canon.

Bach’s Siblings and the Musical Dynasty

Hailing from a long line of musicians, Bach was not the sole musical genius in his family. He had several siblings, including Johann Jacob and Johann Christoph, who were also involved in music. The Bach family’s legacy spans over two centuries, with over 50 musicians of note.