The Life of Bach

Introduction; 1. Early years 1685-1703; 2. First appointments 1703-8; 3. Weimar 1708-17; 4. Cothen 1717-23; 5. Leipzig, the first decade; 6. Leipzig, the second decade; 7. Leipzig, the final years and the first personal descriptions; Appendix 1. A sample hypothesis; Appendix 2. Some terms; References; BWV Index; Name index.

Peter Williams is former Professor and Dean of Music at the University of Edinburgh and is Emeritus Arts and Science Professor of Music at Duke University. His books include A New History of the Organ (1980), The Organ Music of J S Bach (3 vols, Cambridge University Press,1981-1984), Bach, Handel, Scarlatti 1685-1985 (Cambridge University Press, 1985), and Bach: The Goldbert Variations (Cambridge University Press, 2001).

'Williams is thoroughly honest, and honestly thorough, in sifting through the facts, assessing their robustness, and setting them in the context ... of Bach's actual music, and equally important, the traditions and philosophies of eighteenth-century Lutheran Germany - warts and all ... In its rationality and calm authority, Williams' biography lays to rest much of the confusion relating to the pieces in one of musical history's most frustrating incomplete jigsaws.' The Scotsman 'This is a rich yet unassuming book for which we should long be grateful.' Musical Times '... as well rounded and full a life of the composer as we shall probably ever have.' Contemporary Review '... Professor Williams may shatter a few illusions, he will certainly make you think and he brings a refreshingly novel appraoch to the telling of Bach's lifestory ... A thoroughly good read.' London Bach Society '... a book which is both informative and entertaining. Do not be fooled by its relative brevity: this is, in many ways, a revelatory book, and should be on the bookshelves of every inquisitive musician.' Organists Review 'As a companion to his musicological studies of Bach's organ works reviewed above, the disciples of Peter Williams will find his new biography of the composer required reading ... his insights are illuminating.' Classical Music '... stimulating book ...' Early Music Review