Johann Michael Bach

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Memorial of Johann Michael Bach in Gehren.

Johann Michael Bach (August 9, 1648 - May, 1694) was a German composer of the Baroque period. He was the brother of Johann Christoph Bach, as well as uncle and father in law of Johann Sebastian Bach (he was the father of J.S. Bach's first wife Maria Barbara Bach).

Johann Michael was born at Arnstadt, the son of Heinrich Bach, who was the great uncle of Johann Sebastian Bach. In 1673, Johann Michael became the organist and town clerk of Gehren, where he lived until his death. As well as composing music, he made musical instruments, including harpsichords. Some of his most famous works are cantatas "Ach, bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ" (for choir, strings and continuo), "Liebster Jesu, hör mein Flehen" (for soprano, strings and continuo), and "Ach, wie sehnlich wart' ich der Zeit" (also for soprano, strings, and continuo).