Praeludium und Fuga in Es Dur

Johann Christoph Bach (6 December 1642 — 31 March 1703) was a member of the “Arnstädter Linie” (Arnstadt line) of the Bach family.

He was born at Arnstadt, the son of Heinrich Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach's great uncle, hence he was Johann Sebastian's first cousin once removed. He was also the uncle of Maria Barbara Bach, J.S. Bach's first wife. He is not to be confused with Johann Sebastian Bach's son, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach.

Johann Christoph had a reputation as a composer that was only equalled by that of Johann Sebastian within the Bach family during his lifetime. He was organist at Eisenach and later a member of the court chamber orchestra there. His brother, Johann Michael Bach (Johann Sebastian Bach's father-in-law and Maria Barbara's father), was also a composer. Some of the works were later attributed to Johann Sebastian, but were recently recognized as written by Johann Christoph.

Despite his success as a musician, Johann Christoph experienced financial difficulties, which may have resulted in his not having been selected as the guardian of Johann Sebastian when the latter's parents died. Johann Christoph was heavily in debt when he died at Eisenach.

Sebastian Bach described him in his Genealogy (1735) as "the profound composer", thus hinting at his reputation, not just within the family, but within society.

The very solid and attractive prelude and fugue was once attributed to J.S. Bach. The prelude and conclusion of the fugue are "rhapsodic," while the fugue itself is nicely chromatic.

The "listening perspective" is set at about 2/3 "forward" in the church, away from the organ.

A photo of a portrait of J.C. Bach is attached.

Some listeners have said that my uploads are "too soft," while others have said they are "fine."

These uploads today are "normalized," but I hate to do that, as it makes the effect of too much gain in softer pieces.

PLEASE TELL ME if there is ever an "audio problem" with ANY of my uploads!