Johann Sebastian Bach

Age 10 (1695) – Became an Orphan
After losing both parents, moved in with his older brother and continued stu

Age 20 (c. 1705) – Walked to Hear Buxtehude
Walked over 400 km to hear organist Dieterich Buxtehude perform. Around this period, he composed the iconic Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Age 22 (1707) – Married Maria Barbara
Married his second cousin Maria Barbara Bach. They had seven children together.

Age 32 (1717) – Was Jailed for Resigning
Spent four weeks in jail after insisting on resigning from his position. He later became Kapellmeister in Köthen.

Age 35 (1720) – Faced a Personal Tragedy
Returned home from a trip to discover that his wife, Maria Barbara, had died unexpectedly.

Age 36 (1721) – Married Anna Magdalena
Married singer Anna Magdalena Wilcke. Across his two marriages, he fathered 20 children.

Age 38 (1723) – Became Thomaskantor in Leipzig
Took up the position of Thomaskantor, directing music at Leipzig’s main churches and teaching at St. Thomas School.

Age 41 (1727) – Premiered the St Matthew Passion
Presented one of his greatest sacred works in Leipzig.

Age 49 (1741) – Published the Goldberg Variations
Published the Goldberg Variations, one of his most celebrated keyboard works. He also directed performances at Café Zimmermann.

Age 63 (1748) – Worked on The Art of Fugue
Worked on The Art of Fugue, exploring the possibilities of counterpoint.

Age 64–65 (1749–1750) – Lost His Sight
Underwent eye surgery by John Taylor, but the procedures failed and he became blind.

Age 65 (1750) – Died in Leipzig
Died in Leipzig. His music gained renewed recognition decades after his death.