Today We Celebrate the Birthday of a True Musical Visionary.

The only verifiably authentic portrait of Bach painted by Elias Gottlob Haussmann in 1748

Johann Sebastian Bach

March 31, 1685

To me the music of Bach is the most stunning operations manual for western music genres. It’s all in there! The music of JS Bach has inspired everyone from Beethoven to the Beatles. Take a look at Paul McCartney explaining how Bach’s Bourrée in E minor influenced one of the Beatles most beloved songs.

In addition to being a prolific composer Bach was a very well-respected music teacher. Throughout his career he taught private and group music classes composing original pieces for his students. His Inventions and Sinfonias also known as the Two and Three Part Inventions were written for his students. We can all assume his lessons were pretty good.

In celebration of Bach’s birthday and as a reminder of how music unites people like a magical wish come true, please watch the genius Bobby Mcferrin create an orchestra with this willing audience.

Dare to dream, and enjoy your music.

Robert Konkle 
Founder and Executive Director
Village Music School