1 00:00:12,211 --> 00:00:15,342 (footstep thudding) 2 00:00:36,739 --> 00:00:40,427 (dramatic orchestral music) 3 00:01:13,618 --> 00:01:16,228 - [Narrator] On February 20, 1695, 4 00:01:17,584 --> 00:01:21,551 Johann Ambrosius Bach, father of Johann Sebastian, 5 00:01:21,585 --> 00:01:23,777 passes away in Eisenach. 6 00:01:23,812 --> 00:01:27,848 (singing in foreign language) 7 00:03:02,969 --> 00:03:05,892 The year is 1696. 8 00:03:05,926 --> 00:03:07,352 After his father's funeral, 9 00:03:07,387 --> 00:03:10,762 which comes only months after his mother's burial, 10 00:03:10,797 --> 00:03:13,893 at the age of 10, little Johann Sebastian Bach 11 00:03:13,928 --> 00:03:16,676 leaves Eisenach, leaving behind the impression 12 00:03:16,712 --> 00:03:18,904 of being a brilliant pupil. 13 00:03:18,938 --> 00:03:21,200 His older brother, Johann Cristoph, 14 00:03:21,234 --> 00:03:22,904 will take him under his wing. 15 00:05:02,339 --> 00:05:05,505 (light violin music) 16 00:06:14,184 --> 00:06:16,167 - [Narrator] The presence of the booklets in the cupboard 17 00:06:16,202 --> 00:06:18,603 soon becomes more than any day fix. 18 00:06:19,786 --> 00:06:23,265 It is an obsession, which he can not subdue. 19 00:06:23,299 --> 00:06:26,779 (light orchestral music) 20 00:06:44,175 --> 00:06:47,550 Nothing can stop him from taking the furled scores, 21 00:06:47,584 --> 00:06:51,655 which in his eyes, represent a priceless treasure. 22 00:07:46,173 --> 00:07:48,226 (light harpsichord music) 23 00:07:48,260 --> 00:07:51,045 - [Narrator] At night, by the light of the moon, 24 00:07:51,079 --> 00:07:55,011 he manages to copy all of the booklets in a couple of months 25 00:07:55,045 --> 00:07:58,281 whilst his brother is soundly sleeping. 26 00:09:12,527 --> 00:09:15,831 - [Narrator] So that year, young Johann Sebastian Bach 27 00:09:15,867 --> 00:09:18,720 was banished from all family gatherings. 28 00:09:30,688 --> 00:09:32,706 (sighing) 29 00:09:32,741 --> 00:09:36,638 (dramatic orchestral music) 30 00:10:14,560 --> 00:10:16,961 - [Narrator] A scholarship permits him to study 31 00:10:16,996 --> 00:10:19,640 at the magnificent Luneburg library, 32 00:10:19,674 --> 00:10:22,736 where he is welcome with great esteem. 33 00:11:31,346 --> 00:11:34,199 - [Narrator] It is said that during his stay in Luneburg, 34 00:11:34,233 --> 00:11:37,295 he consults hundreds of volumes and scores 35 00:11:37,330 --> 00:11:40,774 of dozens of composers from all over Prussia, 36 00:11:40,809 --> 00:11:43,210 from the most ancient to the most contemporary. 37 00:11:43,244 --> 00:11:46,027 (organ music) 38 00:11:46,063 --> 00:11:50,202 And it is also said, that he leaves Luneburg for Hamburg 39 00:11:50,238 --> 00:11:54,343 to meet the most renowned organ play of his time, 40 00:11:54,377 --> 00:11:55,769 Master Reincken. 41 00:12:00,327 --> 00:12:03,006 His thirst for music remains in tact. 42 00:12:03,041 --> 00:12:05,163 His enchanting voice and his knowledge 43 00:12:05,198 --> 00:12:08,364 cause astonishment in the Luneberg choir 44 00:12:08,399 --> 00:12:11,460 and he's invited to sing in the second choir, 45 00:12:11,496 --> 00:12:13,861 which is restricted to the pupils 46 00:12:13,896 --> 00:12:17,340 who are most apt at singing polyphonic music. 47 00:12:18,558 --> 00:12:21,550 His ambition takes him to the city of Arnstadt, 48 00:12:21,585 --> 00:12:24,960 where he discovers a new organ in a temple, 49 00:12:24,994 --> 00:12:27,882 which was rebuilt after an enormous fire 50 00:12:27,917 --> 00:12:30,005 and destroyed a large part of the city 51 00:12:30,039 --> 00:12:32,127 several decades before. 52 00:12:56,341 --> 00:12:59,891 (dramatic organ music) 53 00:14:32,715 --> 00:14:34,768 - [Narrator] After being officially appointed organ player 54 00:14:34,802 --> 00:14:37,411 of this city of 5,000 souls, 55 00:14:37,447 --> 00:14:40,160 he is asked to teach music and Latin 56 00:14:40,195 --> 00:14:44,649 in the city's two secondary schools in return. 57 00:14:44,683 --> 00:14:47,780 The task, of which he is not very fond, 58 00:14:47,814 --> 00:14:52,198 soon becomes a very disagreeable mission. 59 00:14:52,233 --> 00:14:55,816 The pastor Arnstadt, a pitifully weak man, 60 00:14:55,852 --> 00:14:58,879 never manages to convince the young musician 61 00:14:58,913 --> 00:15:01,418 of the use of his future task. 62 00:15:43,864 --> 00:15:45,325 (all giggling) 63 00:15:45,360 --> 00:15:48,039 - [Narrator] His first contact with his pupils 64 00:15:48,074 --> 00:15:50,962 becomes an obvious confrontation. 65 00:15:50,996 --> 00:15:54,336 (dramatic organ music) 66 00:17:42,330 --> 00:17:44,661 (sighing) 67 00:17:51,410 --> 00:17:53,707 (giggling) 68 00:18:11,068 --> 00:18:14,582 (light orchestral music) 69 00:19:45,354 --> 00:19:47,580 (blowing) 70 00:20:31,105 --> 00:20:34,793 (grand orchestral music) 71 00:20:47,700 --> 00:20:51,736 (singing in foreign language) 72 00:21:08,818 --> 00:21:11,394 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach walks over 73 00:21:11,428 --> 00:21:15,081 300 kilometers on foot to get to Lubeck, 74 00:21:15,116 --> 00:21:18,004 crossing a large part of eastern Prussia. 75 00:21:18,039 --> 00:21:21,031 He goes to Lubeck because he has been informed 76 00:21:21,066 --> 00:21:25,067 that Master Buxtehude is looking for a successor. 77 00:21:25,101 --> 00:21:29,311 Dieterich Buxtehude is a renowned organ player. 78 00:21:29,346 --> 00:21:32,303 This position is very much sought after 79 00:21:32,338 --> 00:21:33,904 and even renowned musicians 80 00:21:33,938 --> 00:21:37,488 such as Handel and Mattheson covet it. 81 00:21:37,522 --> 00:21:40,688 Both withdraw their candidature as a result 82 00:21:40,723 --> 00:21:43,785 of an important clause in the contract. 83 00:21:43,819 --> 00:21:46,568 The candidate for the position is obliged 84 00:21:46,603 --> 00:21:50,360 to marry the organ player's youngest daughter, 85 00:21:50,395 --> 00:21:54,188 a detail Johann Sebastian Bach ignores. 86 00:21:54,222 --> 00:21:57,840 Master Buxtehude married the daughter of his predecessor, 87 00:21:57,875 --> 00:22:00,067 Master Franz Tunder. 88 00:22:00,102 --> 00:22:04,033 Thus a great surprise awaits Johann Sebastian Bach 89 00:22:04,068 --> 00:22:05,877 upon his arrival in Lubeck. 90 00:22:07,374 --> 00:22:11,061 (grand orchestral music) 91 00:22:27,135 --> 00:22:28,910 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 92 00:22:28,944 --> 00:22:31,763 appreciates the warm welcome and his introduction 93 00:22:31,797 --> 00:22:33,919 to the young virtuosos. 94 00:22:44,078 --> 00:22:45,644 - [Narrator] And he also notices 95 00:22:45,679 --> 00:22:48,810 the subtle attentions of mademoiselle Buxtehude. 96 00:23:17,305 --> 00:23:20,505 (light violin music) 97 00:23:24,646 --> 00:23:28,368 (grand orchestral music) 98 00:25:01,402 --> 00:25:04,950 - [Narrator] His stay in Lubeck is shorter than anticipated. 99 00:25:04,985 --> 00:25:07,907 In spite of his endless respect and admiration 100 00:25:07,943 --> 00:25:12,048 for Master Buxtehude, he has no spark of feelings 101 00:25:12,082 --> 00:25:13,823 for his daughter. 102 00:25:13,857 --> 00:25:17,475 Bach gains great fame in Lubeck and Alexandra 103 00:25:17,510 --> 00:25:21,338 tries everything in her power to seduce 104 00:25:21,372 --> 00:25:23,355 this exceptional guest. 105 00:25:23,390 --> 00:25:27,078 (light orchestral music) 106 00:25:32,436 --> 00:25:35,428 (clearing throat) 107 00:25:57,451 --> 00:25:59,434 - [Narrator] His surprising behavior 108 00:25:59,469 --> 00:26:02,601 stem from the composer's belief that he must 109 00:26:02,635 --> 00:26:05,905 never be disturbed, carefully isolating 110 00:26:05,940 --> 00:26:10,324 the world of creation from the real world. 111 00:26:10,358 --> 00:26:13,734 (dramatic organ music) 112 00:30:25,695 --> 00:30:29,419 (dramatic orchestral music) 113 00:30:55,060 --> 00:30:59,095 (singing in foreign language) 114 00:31:02,436 --> 00:31:04,210 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 115 00:31:04,245 --> 00:31:06,645 finally makes the right decision, 116 00:31:06,680 --> 00:31:10,159 although poor Alexandra will never get over him. 117 00:31:10,194 --> 00:31:13,777 Master Buxtehude remains titular of the organs 118 00:31:13,812 --> 00:31:17,570 of the Marienkirche in Lubeck for a long time, 119 00:31:17,604 --> 00:31:20,910 passing away at a greatly advanced age, 120 00:31:20,945 --> 00:31:24,285 which is highly exceptional for the time. 121 00:31:24,319 --> 00:31:28,460 (singing in foreign language) 122 00:32:32,964 --> 00:32:35,747 His lust for composing never wanes. 123 00:32:35,781 --> 00:32:39,748 He does everything to postpone his return to Arnstadt, 124 00:32:39,782 --> 00:32:43,819 where some parishioners make him feel rather unwelcome. 125 00:33:11,583 --> 00:33:12,974 (dramatic orchestral music) 126 00:33:13,009 --> 00:33:14,331 - [Narrator] The Arnstadt consistory 127 00:33:14,366 --> 00:33:17,114 severely reproaches him his long absence, 128 00:33:17,149 --> 00:33:21,532 and moreover, blames him for adding too many variations 129 00:33:21,568 --> 00:33:23,690 to the accompaniment of the choir 130 00:33:23,725 --> 00:33:25,638 and for interrupting the strokes 131 00:33:25,673 --> 00:33:27,622 with long interludes. 132 00:33:29,778 --> 00:33:32,527 Although his willing to teach music to his pupils, 133 00:33:32,562 --> 00:33:36,145 it is suggested he look for a substitute organ player 134 00:33:36,180 --> 00:33:38,128 as quickly as possible, 135 00:33:38,163 --> 00:33:41,399 a solution that satisfies all parishioners. 136 00:33:43,661 --> 00:33:46,652 Mere chance prolongs his stay in Arnstadt. 137 00:33:46,688 --> 00:33:48,287 The reason is simple. 138 00:33:48,323 --> 00:33:50,967 He is lured by a chorister girl 139 00:33:51,001 --> 00:33:54,689 whom he has had his eye on for several weeks. 140 00:34:38,736 --> 00:34:40,336 - [Narrator] It is to this young girl 141 00:34:40,370 --> 00:34:43,502 that Johann Sebastian Bach declares his love 142 00:34:43,537 --> 00:34:45,659 for the very first time. 143 00:34:45,694 --> 00:34:47,991 A generous woman, with whom he causes 144 00:34:48,025 --> 00:34:50,878 an enormous scandal by having her set 145 00:34:50,912 --> 00:34:54,183 on a temple seat that is reserved for men, 146 00:34:54,218 --> 00:34:58,114 which in those times is considered sheer sacrilege. 147 00:35:10,257 --> 00:35:12,727 (laughing) 148 00:36:14,935 --> 00:36:18,066 (light organ music) 149 00:36:22,207 --> 00:36:25,685 - [Narrator] On October 17, 1707, 150 00:36:25,721 --> 00:36:30,870 Johann Sebastian Bach marries Maria Barbara in Dornheim, 151 00:36:32,052 --> 00:36:33,340 a small village close to Arnstadt. 152 00:36:33,374 --> 00:36:38,697 Master Buxtehude has come all the way to attend the ceremony 153 00:36:38,733 --> 00:36:41,898 with his poor inconsolable Alexandra. 154 00:37:19,508 --> 00:37:22,013 (laughing) 155 00:37:34,643 --> 00:37:38,122 (grand orchestral music) 156 00:39:07,745 --> 00:39:11,259 (grand orchestral music) 157 00:39:30,673 --> 00:39:33,805 (light organ music) 158 00:39:37,771 --> 00:39:39,302 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 159 00:39:39,336 --> 00:39:42,050 will only stay in Muhlhausen for a single year. 160 00:39:42,085 --> 00:39:44,346 He resigns after being organ player 161 00:39:44,381 --> 00:39:46,817 of the small village for a short spell, 162 00:39:46,851 --> 00:39:50,261 due to his unremitting conflict with the municipal 163 00:39:50,296 --> 00:39:52,905 and religious authorities. 164 00:39:52,939 --> 00:39:54,958 He then travels to Weimar, 165 00:39:54,992 --> 00:39:58,368 in response to the request of William Ernst, 166 00:39:58,402 --> 00:40:01,046 a pedantic and ambitious personality, 167 00:40:01,081 --> 00:40:03,517 who wants an established church 168 00:40:03,551 --> 00:40:06,682 and all festivities suppressed. 169 00:40:28,497 --> 00:40:31,628 (light organ music) 170 00:40:32,742 --> 00:40:33,890 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 171 00:40:33,924 --> 00:40:36,325 is familiar with Weimar. 172 00:40:36,360 --> 00:40:40,535 His return ought to be his revenge on life. 173 00:40:40,569 --> 00:40:43,145 Unfortunately, the composer does not know 174 00:40:43,179 --> 00:40:45,301 that the Duke is a psychopath, 175 00:40:45,337 --> 00:40:48,363 obsessed with theology and servants. 176 00:40:48,398 --> 00:40:51,181 This obsession has driven him mad, 177 00:40:51,216 --> 00:40:53,929 pushing him to a grotesque form 178 00:40:53,965 --> 00:40:56,157 of extreme puritanism. 179 00:40:56,191 --> 00:40:59,949 He even insists on supervising in which order 180 00:40:59,983 --> 00:41:03,984 servants and vassals are to receive communion 181 00:41:04,020 --> 00:41:06,490 and forbids farmers to dance 182 00:41:06,524 --> 00:41:09,690 or even get together in taverns. 183 00:42:23,518 --> 00:42:26,580 - [Narrator] This first encounter distresses him. 184 00:42:26,615 --> 00:42:30,303 (light orchestral music) 185 00:42:35,452 --> 00:42:38,409 Fortunately, the birth of his first child 186 00:42:39,523 --> 00:42:41,053 fills his heart with joy. 187 00:42:46,690 --> 00:42:50,517 (singing in foreign language) 188 00:44:13,565 --> 00:44:16,070 (baby crying) 189 00:44:24,142 --> 00:44:26,995 (door clicking) 190 00:45:02,621 --> 00:45:05,439 (door clicking) 191 00:45:28,959 --> 00:45:31,637 (baby crying) 192 00:46:34,749 --> 00:46:38,403 (light orchestral music) 193 00:46:42,090 --> 00:46:44,005 - [Narrator] He is incarcerated in the Weimar 194 00:46:44,039 --> 00:46:46,057 prison for four weeks. 195 00:46:46,092 --> 00:46:48,318 Maria Barbara, his young wife, 196 00:46:48,353 --> 00:46:51,554 is not informed until days afterwards, 197 00:46:51,589 --> 00:46:54,094 and patiently spends her time 198 00:46:54,128 --> 00:46:56,425 sorting the master's scores, 199 00:46:56,460 --> 00:46:59,243 most of which are organ compositions. 200 00:47:00,809 --> 00:47:03,836 (knocking on door) 201 00:47:29,129 --> 00:47:31,947 - [Narrator] The severe regime inflicted upon him 202 00:47:31,982 --> 00:47:35,809 by the Duke scarcely restrains this exceptional person 203 00:47:35,844 --> 00:47:39,149 whose only desire is to compose music. 204 00:47:39,184 --> 00:47:41,828 He has a task which can only be hindered 205 00:47:41,862 --> 00:47:46,490 by the stupidity and mediocrity of his fellow citizens. 206 00:47:46,525 --> 00:47:50,526 In Weimar he composes 33 cantatas, 207 00:47:50,561 --> 00:47:52,857 writes the Italian Concerto, 208 00:47:52,892 --> 00:47:54,910 teaches music in several schools, 209 00:47:54,944 --> 00:47:56,685 and finds the time to write 210 00:47:56,719 --> 00:48:00,511 an extraordinary volume on teaching organ playing, 211 00:48:00,546 --> 00:48:03,399 an instrument which he masters to perfection 212 00:48:03,434 --> 00:48:08,339 and which he can disassemble and reassemble if necessary. 213 00:48:08,374 --> 00:48:12,479 (singing in foreign language) 214 00:49:50,836 --> 00:49:53,654 - [Narrator] In Weimar, Maria Barbara gives birth 215 00:49:53,689 --> 00:49:56,959 to Wilhelm Friedemann, Carl Phillip Emanuel, 216 00:49:56,994 --> 00:49:59,221 and Johann Gottfried Bernhard, 217 00:49:59,255 --> 00:50:02,039 as well as to three other children 218 00:50:02,073 --> 00:50:03,987 who die at birth. 219 00:50:04,022 --> 00:50:07,536 But in those days, death is considered to be an inevitable 220 00:50:07,571 --> 00:50:11,363 manifestation of divine providence, 221 00:50:11,397 --> 00:50:13,138 which people manage to live with. 222 00:50:13,172 --> 00:50:16,652 It does not disrupt the family structure. 223 00:50:16,686 --> 00:50:19,226 In Kothen, Johann Sebastian Bach 224 00:50:19,260 --> 00:50:22,774 composes a large part of his instrumental music. 225 00:50:22,810 --> 00:50:25,002 Concertos for the clavichord, 226 00:50:25,036 --> 00:50:27,298 the famed Brandenburg Concertos, 227 00:50:27,332 --> 00:50:30,463 Violin sonatas, and partitas. 228 00:50:31,647 --> 00:50:35,508 (dramatic orchestral music) 229 00:51:41,717 --> 00:51:45,405 His sister-in-law, Margaretha, stays in Kothen. 230 00:51:45,439 --> 00:51:47,805 Her main task is to raise the children 231 00:51:47,841 --> 00:51:49,650 of the famous couple. 232 00:51:49,684 --> 00:51:53,755 The court of Kothen has no respect for the future Cantor, 233 00:51:53,789 --> 00:51:56,051 with the exception of Prince Leopold, 234 00:51:56,086 --> 00:52:00,887 who at first protects Johann Sebastian Bach unconditionally. 235 00:55:51,800 --> 00:55:54,688 (all applauding) 236 00:56:17,720 --> 00:56:19,946 (coughing) 237 00:56:51,190 --> 00:56:54,321 (light organ music) 238 00:57:03,645 --> 00:57:06,185 - [Narrator] From Kothen, Johann Sebastian Bach 239 00:57:06,219 --> 00:57:07,924 undertakes several journeys, 240 00:57:07,959 --> 00:57:11,961 having to follow Prince Leopold and his princely suite. 241 00:57:11,995 --> 00:57:14,152 Accompanied by six court musicians, 242 00:57:14,187 --> 00:57:18,710 he plays in Carlsbad and Bohemia on several occasions 243 00:57:18,744 --> 00:57:20,623 and is then ordered by the court 244 00:57:20,658 --> 00:57:24,729 to travel to Berlin to choose a new clavichord. 245 00:57:24,764 --> 00:57:27,095 His second trip to Carlsbad 246 00:57:27,129 --> 00:57:31,095 separates him from his wife for several weeks. 247 00:57:31,131 --> 00:57:35,270 In his absence, she catches a mysterious disease 248 00:57:35,306 --> 00:57:38,820 that not a single physician manages to cure. 249 00:57:40,211 --> 00:57:42,855 Upon his return, his sister-in-law 250 00:57:42,891 --> 00:57:44,560 tells him the bad news. 251 00:58:17,125 --> 00:58:22,344 (dramatic orchestral music) (sobbing) 252 01:02:02,228 --> 01:02:07,447 (dramatic orchestral music) (singing in foreign language) 253 01:03:28,267 --> 01:03:30,216 - [Narrator] However, Johann Sebastian Bach 254 01:03:30,250 --> 01:03:32,269 is not a man to tarry. 255 01:03:32,303 --> 01:03:34,774 He starts looking for a new companion 256 01:03:34,808 --> 01:03:37,766 in order to provide a mother for his children, 257 01:03:37,801 --> 01:03:40,688 the youngest of whom is only five. 258 01:03:44,690 --> 01:03:48,168 (light orchestral music) 259 01:04:06,782 --> 01:04:10,818 (singing in foreign language) 260 01:08:23,266 --> 01:08:26,572 (dramatic orchestral music) 261 01:08:26,607 --> 01:08:29,077 - [Narrator] On December three, 1721, 262 01:08:29,112 --> 01:08:31,826 Widower, Johann Sebastian Bach, 263 01:08:31,860 --> 01:08:34,018 celebrates his second marriage 264 01:08:34,052 --> 01:08:37,775 with the enchanting Anna Magdalena Wilcke, 265 01:08:37,810 --> 01:08:40,072 an excellent chorister. 266 01:08:40,106 --> 01:08:42,611 The ceremony takes place in the groom's house, 267 01:08:42,646 --> 01:08:44,559 as ordered by the prince, 268 01:08:44,594 --> 01:08:47,168 who, in his turn a week later, 269 01:08:47,204 --> 01:08:50,926 marries princess Frederica Dehalt-Bernburg. 270 01:08:52,457 --> 01:08:56,179 The princess assumes her role of sovereign brilliantly 271 01:08:56,215 --> 01:08:58,859 by making the composer's life a misery 272 01:08:58,894 --> 01:09:02,825 and convincing the prince to dismiss the Kapellmeister 273 01:09:02,860 --> 01:09:05,016 of Kothen as soon as possible. 274 01:09:59,953 --> 01:10:03,224 (knocking on door) 275 01:10:34,362 --> 01:10:36,867 (laughing) 276 01:10:45,843 --> 01:10:49,287 - [Narrator] Kothen is only some 60 kilometers 277 01:10:49,323 --> 01:10:53,498 away from Leipzig, however the journey is more comfortable 278 01:10:53,532 --> 01:10:57,637 than his introduction to the rector and representative 279 01:10:57,673 --> 01:10:59,029 of the consistory. 280 01:12:17,519 --> 01:12:21,207 (grand orchestral music) 281 01:12:47,580 --> 01:12:51,580 (singing in foreign language) 282 01:14:06,070 --> 01:14:09,792 (instruments tuning) 283 01:14:09,827 --> 01:14:11,393 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 284 01:14:11,428 --> 01:14:15,150 composes over 300 cantatas in Leipzig. 285 01:14:15,185 --> 01:14:18,699 Anna Magdalena, his wife, has the important task 286 01:14:18,734 --> 01:14:22,735 of recuperating the handwritten scores after rehearsals 287 01:14:22,770 --> 01:14:25,692 and of copying them down immediately, 288 01:14:27,084 --> 01:14:30,737 thus saving much of his work for posterity. 289 01:15:17,810 --> 01:15:19,619 - [Narrator] The Bach family is given a comfortable 290 01:15:19,655 --> 01:15:24,004 apartment in Leipzig, but unfortunately they have 291 01:15:24,038 --> 01:15:26,230 to deal with an unpleasant neighbor 292 01:15:26,264 --> 01:15:29,013 who won't stop bothering the Kapellmeister. 293 01:16:09,719 --> 01:16:14,938 (singing in foreign language) (dramatic orchestral music) 294 01:16:51,574 --> 01:16:54,079 (baby crying) 295 01:17:18,955 --> 01:17:22,852 (dramatic orchestral music) 296 01:17:29,463 --> 01:17:32,176 (baby crying) 297 01:17:46,475 --> 01:17:47,936 - [Narrator] Anna Magdalena proves 298 01:17:47,972 --> 01:17:49,885 to be a fertile mother, 299 01:17:49,919 --> 01:17:51,938 which is common at the time. 300 01:17:51,973 --> 01:17:56,182 She gives Johann Sebastian Bach 13 children, 301 01:17:56,217 --> 01:17:57,852 seven of which will die at birth 302 01:17:57,887 --> 01:18:00,323 or in the following years. 303 01:18:01,888 --> 01:18:05,924 (singing in foreign language) 304 01:18:58,007 --> 01:19:01,347 (dramatic organ music) 305 01:21:37,040 --> 01:21:40,763 - [Narrator] This unforeseen encounter proves invaluable. 306 01:21:40,798 --> 01:21:44,068 It testifies to the humility of his genius, 307 01:21:44,103 --> 01:21:46,782 who in spite of being totally misunderstood 308 01:21:46,817 --> 01:21:49,670 by the rector and the consistory of Leipzig, 309 01:21:49,704 --> 01:21:54,123 now composes the masterpieces of his magisterial works, 310 01:21:54,157 --> 01:21:56,732 essentially religious compositions, 311 01:21:56,767 --> 01:21:59,690 such as "The Magnificat", "The Passions", 312 01:21:59,724 --> 01:22:02,821 "The Musical Offering," "The Mass in B", 313 01:22:02,856 --> 01:22:06,648 "The Goldberg Variations", "The Art of the Fugue," 314 01:22:06,682 --> 01:22:08,179 and many more. 315 01:22:08,213 --> 01:22:12,215 (dramatic orchestral music) 316 01:22:47,042 --> 01:22:49,442 (sighing) 317 01:23:25,695 --> 01:23:28,095 (sighing) 318 01:24:02,853 --> 01:24:06,888 (singing in foreign language) 319 01:24:13,499 --> 01:24:17,361 (dramatic orchestral music) 320 01:24:42,898 --> 01:24:45,472 - [Narrator] On April 11, 1727, 321 01:24:45,507 --> 01:24:48,882 Johann Sebastian Bach presents his first version 322 01:24:48,917 --> 01:24:53,231 of "The Saint Matthew Passion," in the St. Thomas church. 323 01:24:53,266 --> 01:24:56,188 The composition boasts several cantata fragments 324 01:24:56,223 --> 01:24:59,494 written in Kothen and Leipzig. 325 01:24:59,528 --> 01:25:03,112 He re-composes them, modifying the text, 326 01:25:03,146 --> 01:25:05,130 or keeping the melody. 327 01:25:05,164 --> 01:25:07,982 He draws also from his old compositions 328 01:25:08,017 --> 01:25:10,523 to give them a new dimension. 329 01:25:10,557 --> 01:25:12,088 Anna Magdalena attends the 330 01:25:12,123 --> 01:25:14,906 first rehearsal enthusiastically. 331 01:25:40,130 --> 01:25:44,166 (singing in foreign language) 332 01:28:43,378 --> 01:28:46,892 (light orchestral music) 333 01:29:13,508 --> 01:29:14,935 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 334 01:29:14,969 --> 01:29:18,205 conducts his instrumental music in Cafe Zimmermann 335 01:29:18,239 --> 01:29:21,232 for 10 years, alternating his concertos 336 01:29:21,266 --> 01:29:24,224 for brass, oboe, and flutes 337 01:29:24,259 --> 01:29:26,380 with those for stringed instruments, 338 01:29:26,416 --> 01:29:28,190 like this double concerto, 339 01:29:28,225 --> 01:29:31,461 which he has written in dedication to his two sons. 340 01:29:31,495 --> 01:29:34,730 Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Phillip Emanuel. 341 01:29:41,063 --> 01:29:44,785 Although the Leipzig nobility lends him more respect, 342 01:29:44,821 --> 01:29:47,081 it is once again the common public 343 01:29:47,117 --> 01:29:50,248 that shows the most enthusiasm for his music. 344 01:30:09,905 --> 01:30:12,654 (all chattering) 345 01:30:26,048 --> 01:30:31,267 (all chattering) (laughing) 346 01:31:04,146 --> 01:31:05,537 - [Narrator] Unfortunately these rare joyous 347 01:31:05,572 --> 01:31:08,808 family moments are overshadowed by the rector's 348 01:31:08,842 --> 01:31:11,765 and the consistory's incessant rebukes. 349 01:31:51,323 --> 01:31:52,784 (dramatic orchestral music) 350 01:31:52,820 --> 01:31:54,663 - [Narrator] The success in Cafe Zimmermann 351 01:31:54,698 --> 01:31:56,681 rises to a crescendo. 352 01:31:56,716 --> 01:31:58,838 The event continues summer and winter, 353 01:31:58,873 --> 01:32:01,725 outdoors and indoors, always gathering 354 01:32:01,761 --> 01:32:05,101 both new and regular spectators. 355 01:32:05,135 --> 01:32:08,997 Rumor has it Bach will conduct over 450 concerts 356 01:32:09,032 --> 01:32:14,250 at the cafe and 150 at the town's musical college. 357 01:32:15,677 --> 01:32:18,217 This mix of genres allows him to try new approaches. 358 01:32:18,252 --> 01:32:22,079 His fame now rises in all eastern Prussian duchies, 359 01:32:22,113 --> 01:32:24,236 and even far beyond. 360 01:32:24,271 --> 01:32:27,925 (light orchestral music) 361 01:33:25,191 --> 01:33:27,418 (sighing) 362 01:33:48,606 --> 01:33:52,503 (dramatic orchestral music) 363 01:34:12,821 --> 01:34:14,560 - [Narrator] Anna Magdalena is upset 364 01:34:14,596 --> 01:34:17,831 by his degenerating condition and consults 365 01:34:17,866 --> 01:34:20,510 the best physicians in the region. 366 01:34:20,544 --> 01:34:24,825 She refuses to accept that his condition is irreversible. 367 01:34:24,859 --> 01:34:29,243 Caring and devoted, Anna Magdalena never gives up hope. 368 01:34:29,277 --> 01:34:32,965 She has now become not only the master's quill pen, 369 01:34:33,001 --> 01:34:34,427 but his eyes as well. 370 01:34:46,917 --> 01:34:50,919 (singing in foreign language) 371 01:35:23,101 --> 01:35:26,615 (light orchestral music) 372 01:36:15,636 --> 01:36:17,863 (sobbing) 373 01:38:03,943 --> 01:38:07,457 (light orchestral music) 374 01:38:43,501 --> 01:38:47,536 (singing in foreign language) 375 01:39:25,460 --> 01:39:28,243 - [Narrator] It is the year 1750. 376 01:39:28,278 --> 01:39:31,861 Work on the musical offering, "The Mass in B", 377 01:39:31,896 --> 01:39:35,827 and other impressive compositions, is stopped. 378 01:39:35,863 --> 01:39:38,367 The greatest composer of the past millennium 379 01:39:38,402 --> 01:39:40,768 has gone almost completely blind 380 01:39:40,803 --> 01:39:44,213 and puts his faith in the hands of an English surgeon. 381 01:39:44,247 --> 01:39:49,153 However, Chevalier John Taylor is a self-proclaimed oculist 382 01:39:49,188 --> 01:39:50,892 who travels all over Europe 383 01:39:50,927 --> 01:39:54,581 performing hazardous cataract operations. 384 01:39:54,615 --> 01:39:57,746 Bach's poor wife does not have a clue. 385 01:39:57,782 --> 01:40:03,000 (singing in foreign language) (dramatic orchestral music) 386 01:40:12,254 --> 01:40:14,586 (groaning) 387 01:40:52,891 --> 01:40:56,927 (singing in foreign language) 388 01:41:17,350 --> 01:41:19,577 (sobbing) 389 01:41:34,919 --> 01:41:38,782 (dramatic orchestral music) 390 01:42:09,572 --> 01:42:11,172 - [Narrator] Johann Sebastian Bach 391 01:42:11,208 --> 01:42:15,347 dies on July 28, 1750. 392 01:42:15,383 --> 01:42:18,131 His pupil George Frideric Handel 393 01:42:18,166 --> 01:42:20,253 will die 10 years later 394 01:42:20,288 --> 01:42:23,246 after having been operated by the same charlatan. 395 01:42:24,428 --> 01:42:27,351 His sons will occupy important offices 396 01:42:27,385 --> 01:42:29,821 in almost all existing duchies. 397 01:42:30,935 --> 01:42:35,214 His legacy, two clavichords, one violin, 398 01:42:35,248 --> 01:42:37,336 one cello, and of course, 399 01:42:37,370 --> 01:42:40,293 a large number of musical scores, 400 01:42:40,329 --> 01:42:41,998 which he never classified, 401 01:42:42,033 --> 01:42:43,703 due to his early demise. 402 01:42:44,816 --> 01:42:46,277 Unfortunately, his sons 403 01:42:46,313 --> 01:42:48,296 sell many of his scores to Ham-- 404 01:42:56,819 --> 01:43:01,447 The bag and the cathedrals of St. Nicholas and St. Chalice. 405 01:43:01,482 --> 01:43:03,847 She dies 10 years after her husband. 406 01:43:07,813 --> 01:43:10,005 The memory of the Leipzig genius 407 01:43:10,041 --> 01:43:12,406 soon sinks into oblivion. 408 01:43:12,441 --> 01:43:15,259 The European aristocracy prefers the pomp 409 01:43:15,294 --> 01:43:17,173 of gallant music. 410 01:43:18,251 --> 01:43:22,113 Another genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 411 01:43:22,147 --> 01:43:24,270 pronounces the moving phrase, 412 01:43:24,305 --> 01:43:28,793 "God is greatly indebted to Johann Sebastian Bach." 413 01:43:30,429 --> 01:43:34,986 March 11, 1829 in Berlin, the German composer, Mendelssohn, 414 01:43:36,134 --> 01:43:38,952 revives Johann Sebastian Bach by conducting 415 01:43:38,987 --> 01:43:41,388 "The St. Matthew Passion." 416 01:43:41,422 --> 01:43:44,693 Musicologists from all around the world 417 01:43:44,727 --> 01:43:49,216 concur that only half of his works have been recovered. 418 01:43:50,886 --> 01:43:52,556 Extolled all over the world, 419 01:43:52,590 --> 01:43:54,644 he is considered, with Mozart, 420 01:43:54,678 --> 01:43:57,218 to be a sublime musical genius, 421 01:43:57,252 --> 01:44:01,463 who remains peerless to this very day. 422 01:44:01,497 --> 01:44:06,890 (dramatic orchestral music) (singing in foreign language)