This isn't your standard biography. Think of it as a portrait painted by someone who knew the artist's family. Forkel wasn't a distant historian; he was a music scholar writing at a time when Bach's legacy was fading. He interviewed Bach's sons, Carl Philipp Emanuel and Wilhelm Friedemann, to get firsthand stories.

The Story

The book walks us through Bach's life, from his early days as an orphaned choirboy to his final position in Leipzig. It shows his rise not as a smooth climb to fame, but as a series of jobs where he often clashed with his employers. Forkel gives us the juicy details: Bach's legendary temper, his moonlighting as an organ tester (he'd famously find every flaw), and his superhuman ability to compose and perform. The core narrative is really about a man whose genius was obvious to those around him, but whose massive impact on music history wasn't yet understood by the wider world.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was the humanizing detail. You learn that Bach loved coffee, was fiercely protective of his musicians, and composed some of his most complex music just to settle arguments with rivals. It peels back the formal wig and powdered face to show a real, driven, and sometimes difficult person. Forkel's clear admiration makes it a joyful read—it's like listening to a fan geek out about his hero, but with incredible sources.

Final Verdict

Perfect for music lovers who want to connect the person to the music. If you've ever listened to a Bach piece and thought, "What kind of mind makes this?" this book is your answer. It's also a fascinating read for anyone interested in how history gets written, as this is the foundation upon which all later Bach biographies were built. It's a short, personal, and essential backstory to the music we still love today.